Hip-Hop And The BibleSample

“DMX Draws Inspiration From Bible For Music, Personal Life”

Earl Simmons has lived a complicated life. Better known as hip-hop icon DMX, he has been at the top of the rap game and been back to the bottom again due to multiple run-ins with the law that often resulted in prison time. Throughout his career, however, DMX has drawn inspiration for his music from the Bible and touted it as a positive influence in his personal life.

In one telling incident that took place in October 2013, a paparazzi video showed him outside a Los Angeles restaurant reading from the Bible in an emotional conversation with a woman who was going through some difficult times. At the end of the interaction, DMX was seen giving her his Bible as a parting gift of encouragement.

Although DMX has dealt with his own struggles, onlookers weren’t surprised to watch the scene unfold. He became a church deacon in 2012 and has consistently referenced the Bible in his lyrics, most notably in his 2006 song “Lord Give Me A Sign” where he paraphrased Isaiah 54:17 throughout the chorus:

In the name of Jesus, spread the word

No weapon formed against me shall prosper

And every turn that rise against my judgment thou shall condemn

For this is the heritage of the servants of the Lord

And their righteousness is of me, said the Lord

Amen, Lord give me a sign

Despite his knowledge of the Bible, DMX has admitted in an interview with Global Grind that his life hasn’t always been a reflection of what he has learned from it.

“The biggest step is not in the studying, reading, but the wanting to change the way you live,” he said. “Wanting different things for yourself, and making that change because if you still want to drink and smoke, you could read as much as you want, that doesn't mean you're ready.”

That hasn’t stopped DMX from praying with other artists before concerts and proclaiming his devotion to the Bible in front of frenzied crowds via a track called “Prayer IV.” 

Give the nutrition to me and I’ll properly digest it

And when I give it back, I’ll show you word well invested

And whenever I go, before I go, let me give

Thanks to you Lord, my birth, for every day that I’ve lived.