New York (AFP)
Before his death at 50 in early April, the rapper DMX was preparing to relaunch his career by releasing his first studio album in nearly 10 years.
Entitled "Exodus", the album released this Friday on Def Jam Recordings - nearly two months after his death in a New York suburban hospital from a heart attack - reveals a feeling of redemption throughout. its 13 titles.
This eighth official album by born rapper Earl Simmons, who rose to fame in the late 90s, features appearances by hip hop stars including Jay-Z, Nas and Snoop Dogg, also with forays from Alicia Keys, Usher. and Bono.
With the famous barks of DMX more ferocious than ever, the raw and hard style of the rapper one of the darkest in history is present, especially on the tracks "That's My Dog," "Hood Blues" or "Bath Salts . "
But his poetic sensitivity and his vulnerability are also present, notably on "Hold Me Down", accompanied by a fervent piano.
In "Letter to My Son", the father of 15 children talks about his inner pains and his hectic life to the sound of a moving violin.
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Longtime friend and DMX producer Swizz Beatz brought this posthumous album to fruition.
"My brother X was one of the purest souls I have ever met. He dedicated his life to music and his family," Swizz Beatz said before the album was released.
“Above all, he gave generously and loved his fans beyond measure,” he added.
The death of DMX, after a week in a coma in a New York hospital, had sparked a series of tributes, lasting several weeks, especially in his native New York.
Many of his fans had cited his willingness to speak openly about his personal issues as one of the reasons for their admiration.
The rapper had experienced a difficult childhood and youth, with drug problems from the age of 14 and multiple stays in prison.
"This album, X was eager for his fans to listen to it, to show them how much he esteemed all the people who had supported him unconditionally," said Swiss Beatz.
© 2021 AFP