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E.A.R.L.: The Autobiography of DMX
by
D.M.X.
,
Smokey D. Fontaine
The dark journey of a boy who became a man, the man who became an artist, and the artist who became an icon. A talent for rhyme saved his life, but the demons and sins of his past continue to haunt him.
This is the story of Earl Simmons.
This is the story of Earl Simmons.
Paperback
,
352 pages
Published
October 21st 2003
by It Books
(first published November 1st 2002)
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Community Reviews
(showing
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621)
Aug 20, 2009
Eva Leger
rated it
3 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
DMX fans
Recommended to Eva by:
found on PBS
I wanted to read this because I've liked some of DMX's music since he came out. I'm also a huge fan of memoirs and the like and wanted to see what his childhood and family-life was like. I got my wish.
Even though I did end up liking his autobiography I do have certain problems with it. My biggest problem is what while most of the time he seemed to talk (or write) straight from the heart, other times it was stilted. It was almost like he tried to make himself come off as more imtelligent when in ...more
Even though I did end up liking his autobiography I do have certain problems with it. My biggest problem is what while most of the time he seemed to talk (or write) straight from the heart, other times it was stilted. It was almost like he tried to make himself come off as more imtelligent when in ...more
view all 8 comments
For people looking to read the book, be advised: there are thorough descriptions of abuse including animal abuse (dogfighting, most prominently) and child abuse. There are also minor mentions of rape, blatant homophobia (more specifically lesbophobia) and, of course, your run-of-the-mill drugs, sex, and profanity.
To begin with, I am not a music listener and more specifically not a DMX fan. I have not heard his music before and do not plan to. I only picked the book up because I enjoy reading abo ...more
To begin with, I am not a music listener and more specifically not a DMX fan. I have not heard his music before and do not plan to. I only picked the book up because I enjoy reading abo ...more
This was a great book. I enjoyed every minute of it. I remember not wanting to put the book down and reading all night. Which I feel is a sign that a book is great because you can not pry yourself from it. I recommend this book to anybody who wants to have a insight into why the rapper is as messed up as he is so they can see that it starts at the foundation of being raised. I also recommend this book to high school students in urban cities so that they can see that you can achieve your dreams n
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After reading E.A.R.L.: The Autobiography of DMX I understand why DMX has had so many ups and downs throughout his life. Beginning with his early life, DMX has had to fight for everything in his life, from the attention his mother showed other men to where his next meal would come from. While I don't condone any of the violence or stealing, I do understand why someone who has gone through so much would turn to the streets and violence as a way to express their inward anger. Despite all the odds
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E.A.R.L.: The Autobiography of DMX by Earl Simmons or by his rapper name DMX is a memoir. The book is about DMX’s entire life from the beginning to the present and all of the struggles and good times that came in between.
The main setting of this book is mainly in Yonkers from 1970-1990s. This time period and setting really shapes Earl’s life because rap, which is the type of music that he is famous for, was just on the rise and areas like Yonkers were especially part of the movement. The main c ...more
The main setting of this book is mainly in Yonkers from 1970-1990s. This time period and setting really shapes Earl’s life because rap, which is the type of music that he is famous for, was just on the rise and areas like Yonkers were especially part of the movement. The main c ...more
This isn't a book I would suggest to anyone looking for a great work of literatue, but if you're interested in hearing about the ridiculous and outrageous story of Earl Simmons(aka DMX) then you've come to the right place. I've been a fan of hip hop my whole life, and I've been a fan of DMX since I heard his first album. So when I found out that he had written an autobiography, I instantly headed to Borders and bought it. This book is written in the same light as DMX's lyrics, raw and uncut. He
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This revealing account of the life of Earl Simmons, aka DMX, will grip you as you discover more and more of what lies at the core of this rapper’s mind and soul. Growing up tough in the streets of New York, young Earl recalls experiencing everything life has to deal him; love, hate, strife, struggle, abuse, and a sense of abandonment. Though very bright as a youngster, Earl never had the resources and support system to assure success in the ‘traditional’ sense of the term, so he turned to a life
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This story gave a little insight into the complicated man that DMX became, but I felt it could have gone a little deeper.
DMX is one of my favorite rappers. i always thought he was the coolest and the realest. i fell in love with him in the fifth grade and i was forever a devoted fan. i believe he is what america needs to see and set their goals to be especially in the rap game. however he breaks down his life bit my bit and detail by detail whereas it can make you cry and it answers a lot of questions you may have of dark man x aka dmx. he is human and has a very caring heart for others who feel like they can not
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What i learned from this book is mostly about DMX's life and a few things that he went through. I liked this book because some of his songs relate to what he was telling me about himself in the story. I didnt like this book because i was very interested in it so i feel it was to short. I felt a connection when he said his mother told him to get out the house with a dog that he saw as a friend because my mother did that to me before so i know how he probably felt. I like the way the author took i
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great Book look at him different now. Much respect
I'm a HUGE DMX fan so when I saw this book, I had to get it. The editing was a bit off as well as the timeline, but overall it was what I expected. DMX's realness has always attracted me and it was good to see that portrayed in his autobiography too. I'm a true believer that genius is crazy and I wish he had gotten the help he needed long ago. This is a good book for any X fan and you will be surprised to know that there is more to Earl than rapping. I look forward to his future endeavors (beyon
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Although, I knew this book existed for years, I mainly picked up it up recently out of curiousity since DMX and Tashera are currently a part of a reality tv series. Seeing him on the show sparked my interest in knowing his history.
Overall, this book was a pretty good read and gives us a glimpse into his life, from birth to the late 90's. I am not the biggest hip-hop fan, but this book did make me understand DMX's music and character a little more.
Overall, this book was a pretty good read and gives us a glimpse into his life, from birth to the late 90's. I am not the biggest hip-hop fan, but this book did make me understand DMX's music and character a little more.
I was always intrigued by the life and times of Earl Simmons, aka DMX, especially since I loved his music. This was a great read...but I really loathe this guy more than I realized. It's always unnerving when you read about unrepentant criminals and their constant attempts to justify their behavior. Okay, so he had a VERY rough life (very rough) but that doesn't excuse his criminal choices. Oh well.
This book was an autobiography about a well known rapper Earl simmons Aka dmx. In this book I learned so much about the rapper. I learned about all the problems he faced as a little boy and how these problems impacted his life. I rate this Book a five out of five the author did a good job showing the characters personality and his traits.
Dec 13, 2010
Shanajamika Jones
added it
As Successful as His Best recording in Describing the dark journey of a boy who become a man, the man who become an artist, and the artist who become a icon. This is a painfully Honset account of how one individual overcame a life time suffering. A talent for rhyme saved his life, but the demons and sins of his past continue to haunt him.
E.A.R.L. was a pretty damn good read.Dmx's life story is not unique but is very valid. This brotha truly raps about his experiences.When he's recounting his felonious activities and even his start in the rap game you feel as if your standing right there next to him.It was pleasing to read that he also came from a "Witness" (Jehovah) background.
I Love This Man
DMX is so refreshing! As a rapper I enjoy his style because it's original and he is not all about the flash. I purchased this book as an adoring fan and I was not disappointed. He details his life and how he came to be and where he is today. I truly appreciated his honesty. I got "DOG LOVE" for this brotha!
DMX is so refreshing! As a rapper I enjoy his style because it's original and he is not all about the flash. I purchased this book as an adoring fan and I was not disappointed. He details his life and how he came to be and where he is today. I truly appreciated his honesty. I got "DOG LOVE" for this brotha!
I loved this book. It was the best book of biographies i have ever read. It showed me a new way of how some people live and what a lot of people been through. Even though i have somewhat of a hard life somebody ealse has a much worse life that there living. DMX to be honest is my idol and i look up to him in a lot of way.
Interesting to read about DMXs life and how he came up into the industry. The guy has some serious issues, but after reading the book you can kind of understand why. Its only something you would read if you liked the artist or have some interest in the rap industry
I learned about this book from my brother who read it in one sitting at the book store. This is a really good read...honestly you won't be able to put it down!
Makes you appreciate where X came from..
a tough life, which makes for a pretty inspirational
story.
Makes you appreciate where X came from..
a tough life, which makes for a pretty inspirational
story.
If you ever want to know what makes this guy tick... Then you gotta check this one out! Next time you see that he's done something outlandish, you'll think back to this book and his childhood.
It was a really instesting story he lived a crazy life, they have a show about this on mtv if you would like to see it, he talks about everything as a child
he got the name *DMX* from a instrument
he got the name *DMX* from a instrument
Having been a fan of DMX's since 97 I really enjoyed this book. Taking a peek into his dark past explained in detail a lot more of his music, especially stories from his first two albums..
This was a tuff one. I enjoyed the book, but the writing style could be confusing. Overall, I'm glad to have read this book. It brings DMX's music to life in a meaninful way.
This is a book for all true Dmx fans his life truely is a sad story, from his mother beating on him and leaving him.his love for his Grandmother and his wife was so beautiful..
X is a good, dynamic and yet troubled individual. If your a fan or just a curious onlooker this book will give you much of the back story behind Earl DMX Simmons.
Rivals the Autobiography of Malcolm X as the greatest ever (EVER ALWAYS REAL LIFE)..... Man this guy smoked a lot of crack
This is a MUST READ. I read this book in its entirety in one day sitting in Barnes and Noble. Couldnt put it down
Now I know what "school street" means when DMX barks it out in his songs!
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