...And Then There was X” saw a significant shift in the Yonkers-raised rapper, who had gone from Horrorcore the year before (when he dropped two separate albums) to club bangers for the mainstream listeners, and away from the underground.
1. “The Kennel” (Intro)
2. “One More Road To Cross”
This ... Read review
Hip-hop is a genre notorious for careers that fizzle after strong debuts, a lack of ... more
artistic development, and for years to pass between albums. On his third album in just two years, DMX breaks these- -and nearly every other--"rule" of the game: the pre...
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Kennel (Skit) One More Road to Cross Professional Fame Alot to Learn (Skit) Here We Go ... more
Again Party Up (Up in Here) Make a Move What These B*****s Want [Featuring Sisqo] What's My Name? More 2 a Song Don't You Ever Shakedown (Skit) D-X-L (Hard White) [F...
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Hip-hop is a genre notorious for careers that fizzle after strong debuts, a lack of ... more
artistic development, and for years to pass between albums. On his third album in just two years, DMX breaks these- -and nearly every other--"rule" of the game: the pre-eminent thug rapper of his time, he includes sensitive, religious poetry in his liner notes; though he sticks with the formula that's served him so well in the past DMX is a talented songwriter, and his compositions get more interesting--and more subtle--onX; and though he could get nearly any guest star he'd want, DMX eschews even his Ruff Ryder posse pals (except for "D-X-L", which features the Lox and Drag-On) on 11 guest-less tracks. Ryders uber-producer Swizz Beatz shows up for 4 strong tracks but is nearly matched by Irv Gotti and a pair of largely unknown Ruff Ryders house producers, Shok and P. Killer Trakz. In fact, the only thing conventional about the album is the first track--the eminently skippable, obligatory introductory skit. Start with track two and enjoy.--Randy Silver
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Advantages: A few big tunes Disadvantages: Inconsistent
...bangers for the mainstream listeners, and away from the underground.
1. “The Kennel” (Intro)
2. “One More Road To Cross”
This track has a very grungy and grimy feel to it, it's the only description I can come up with, but you would understand if you had a listen to it. This style really it’s in with DMX's voice and lyrical delivery, so his style is heavily complimented by Swizz Beatz' production. At the beginning ... ...just makes him sound weird, and is if he's trying to unsuccessfully imitate a Nigerian accent. Don't ask me about this, just listen to it, it's just strange and doesn't fit it at all.
**Three Stars**
3. “The Professional”
As we get further into things, you have this which has him doing a track which fits in with the time, and the sort of thing which was popular in the more underground side of East coast Rap ... more
DMX released his third album in 1999, “...And Then There was X” saw a significant shift in the Yonkers-raised rapper, who had gone from Horrorcore the year before (when he dropped two separate albums) to club bangers for the mainstream listeners, and away from the underground.
1. “The Kennel” (Intro)
2. “One More Road To Cross”
This track has a very grungy and grimy feel to it, it's the only description I can come up with, but you would understand if you had a listen to it. This style really it’s in with DMX's voice and lyrical delivery, so his style is heavily complimented by Swizz Beatz' production. At the beginning he comes with some questionable rhymes which don't follow the track to the beat at all, I haven't got a clue why he does this, it just makes him sound weird, and is if he's trying to unsuccessfully imitate a Nigerian accent. Don't ask me about this, just listen to it, it's just strange and doesn't fit it at all.
**Three Stars**
3. “The Professional”
As we get further into things, you have this which has him doing a track which fits in with the time, and the sort of thing which was popular in the more underground side of East coast Rap as he does a Mafioso one, but I have to say that I was never too fond of this type of thing, so it didn’t really appeal to my personal tastes in Gangsta Rap.
**Three Stars**
4. “Fame”
This is a surprisingly lifting track form the rapper, and it has him go for something which isn’t really like him as he does one where he uses some lively beats from dame Grease, and he comes with something hot which the clubs would have really enjoyed at this time. It is big, and it has him carry social messages subtly.
**Four Stars**
5. “Alot To Learn” (Lude)
6. “Here We Go Again”
This is quite calm from X, although he does seem to get more intense at certain parts during the track, but he is forced to be more mellow when he refers to his children and things along this subject as he explains that he is learning things about himself and having to make mistakes so that his offspring won't be forced have to do it themselves; he will tell them what's wrong and right. It seems that he is dealing with unfortunate circumstances in his life by just voicing out his problems, it doesn't sound as if he made an effort to make the lines rhyme, it's as if by coincidence they do. I felt that this made it easy to interpret his words and understand what he meant by them.
**Three Stars**
7. “Party Up”
This is one of my favourite tracks from X, and from the title you can tell that this is a big one for parties, and is very popular at them, many will recognise it despite the fact I can't recall seeing any video for it or radio play. Although no names are said in the lyrics, it has been claimed that the words are directed at Eminem and Kurupt, both of whom dissed the rapper earlier on, so with phrases like "No more talkin’ - put him in the dirt instead", you can tell that he's aiming his lyrics at a specific target.
**Five Stars**
8. “Make A Move”
On this track you find that the rapper goes back into his Gangsta rap mode, and it comes directly before he switches things dramatically. It is a pretty decent tune one from him, and with the frantic string work giving it a feeling of urgency, it seems to bring you into the situation, and connect with him as he does things.
**Three Stars**
9. “What These B***hes Want”
Although we now know he's not gay, I find it interesting that DMX, who is claimed to be a homophobic person, collaborated with an artist, Sisqó, who at the time (1999), was rumoured to be gay. That was just a thought concerning which I thought I should bring up. What I really find annoying from this track is how one whole verse is used to simply name all of the many names of the girls he has been with, it's really not required, and because it goes on for so long, any fun which was created in the first few lines is diminished as he continues by trying to rhyme as many female names as possible (some of which I don't believe quite work). I thought he was better than this, wasting valuable bars, but it seems not to be.
**Three Stars**
10. “What’s My Name?”
I felt that this would have been the perfect track to start the album off with, because it does get you into the correct mood to listen to his hardcore lyrics. It also introduces the artist to people who perhaps aren't as familiar with him as an artist, so I believe that this is a flaw in the track listings. This is quite similar to "Get At Me Dog" in what it comes from it (mainly just rhymes about himself and how he is on his own in the world, just trying to make it on his own as he has throughout his life). The beat was made by himself and Irv Gotti and I think what they made together was great, and it is very much like the sounds which you get today in his tracks which Swizz Beatz produced for.
**Three Stars**
11. “More 2 A Song”
On this one you find that he gets deep with his rhymes as he pushes some of his most inspirational rhymes which have been heard up to this point. Due to the fact that he has experienced a lot more in his life than what he expect many to have, h lets them know that they are being shallow if they think that life revolves around material things.
**Three Stars**
12. “Don’t You Ever”
I felt that although the content of the rhymes on this one were completely different on this one in comparison to the one prior to it, I have to say that it didn’t seem to get off the ground really, and it sounded to be around the same place, despite the fact that Swizzy drops some energetic club vibes on it and gets you moving as he goes into his hardcore flows.
**Three Stars**
13. “The Shakedown” (Lude)
14. “D-X-L”
On this tune you have him joined by The L.O.X. and Drag-On to show what support he has out on the East Coast, it is a big tune and it stands out with the appearances from the big names and the well-rounded sound which comes from the track. It is really much of-the-time, and would have made a big impact then.
**Four Stars**
15. “Comin’ For Ya”
I have to say that what you find in this one is really something I wouldn’t say expected a progressive rapper such as DMX to have come with as he does a tune which has clearly got Swizz Beatz taking the lead role as we have things taken back to the eighties with Old School scratches and other sort s of production techniques to get thins one going.
**Four Stars**
16. “Prayer III” (Lude)
17. “Angel”
Ending thing here we have a track which has him doing things in a slow manner to wind things down as we come to an end with this release. It is a smooth one, and it is something which takes a few listens to really feel as initially it sounds a bit to complex, but it is another religious-charged one from him where he makes the most out of the funky grooves as he can.
**Four Stars**
This was one of the most successful albums from DMX, and I have to say that it certainly shows him at his best as he attempts to combine the more commercial u-tempo raps with the hardcore stuff which got his career underway. It is fairly inconsistent, but you can let this go when you hear how strong some of the tunes are.
...masterpiece of an album here, and it is most probably the best album I own. This is his best album by far, (not that the other two were bad at all!) and it is recommended by myself, to anyone who doesn't yet own it. I know very few people who are into 'Gangsta Rap' but if you want to get into it, this would be a good place to start. Many of you won't have heard of DMX, and are wondering why you are even reading this. Well, buy the album, and you ... ...swear a lot and use bad language in their albums - this is no different, but they do this to express their feelings and emphasise their point. Avoid this if you don't like bad language (not that I do!) And stick to Vanilla Ice for soft-core rap. So, onto the songs... 1. The Kennel (skit) Not really much of a song here, this is simply an introduction to the album, as most rap albums have. DMX doesn't do much in this at all, skip this track, as it ...
pjm123 01.07.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of And Then There Was X [PA] - DMX
Advantages: Strong Production, big beats and just a fun album Disadvantages: Hardly pushing the boundaries of the genre
...really does have the history and previous experiences to back up his lyrics.. thats what gives him his effect. I am far from a fan of gangsta Hip Hop.. infact I have an immense dislike for it, but And Then There Was X actually isnt too bad. I wasnt a great fan of previous albums, but there is an energy in this latest effort that one cant help enjoying.
Okay the lyrics arent exactly groundbreaking.. but for some reason on this album they seem to ... ...the beats make you move and still sound fresh months after. Full of commercial appeal yes, infact it sounds completely sold out, but who cares.. its fun..
This album is a must for the gangsta fans, and a decent purchase for us 'Native Tongue' fans.. very rarely does an album have crossover appeal nowadays but D may very well have found a formula, lets hope he will be able to keep to this up.. if he can stay sane that is ;) ...
Cozmikal 01.05.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of And Then There Was X [PA] - DMX
Advantages: great album from the master Disadvantages: not as many ood tracks as flesh of my flesh blood of my blood
...album out. Its called ... And Than There Was X
Once again X is back with another great album which again proves that he is up there with the best in the rap game. This new album has it all a deep meaning, great tunes, and the beats are pumpin. X just can not be touched and this new album proves that when you are true to the industry then the industry will be true to you. I love how DMX uses his life experiences on this album to express himself and ... ...you like it or not and this time its no different. This album however, still does not quite have that touch that 'Its Dark' had but, I still think just as highly of this album. He has quite a number of greats on this album but two that I really like are "Whats my name"(and the video) and "Party up" which he does alone. And as we saw during the summer, this song featured in the Gone in 60 seconds soundtrck, which was also cool. This song is just another ...
shak_y2k 29.12.2000
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of And Then There Was X [PA] - DMX
Advantages: good beats, no mumbling, and good lyrics Disadvantages: too many skits,guns, and god
...He invented his own style and it works. His deep and raspy voice shouts out the lyrics to rhythms that get stuck in your head. He came up with this style long before Ja Rule and doesn't it better than Ja Rule. He even raps in a tone and pace where you can learn the lyrics. "Party Up (Up in Here)" is the fastest paced song and you can still understand it. It is one of those songs you'll hear at a dance club. You could say that about "Good Girls, Bad ... ...like it is his last and it shows. To sum it up. If you like meaningful lyrics, good rhythms, a rapper that speaks clearly, and an album that is addictive. Then this is an album to buy. Not to rent or borrow. Buy it and leave it you cd player because if you borrow it you'll never want to give it back. Also, if you have a good system in your car then this is the perfect album to listen to. It makes driving fun. You know, he makes a good rhythm, the ...
nyk17 15.03.2003 (17.03.2003)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of And Then There Was X [PA] - DMX
Advantages: dmx pure hardcore rap ishhh Disadvantages: n0ne
...it at my friends house and i couldnt get the songs out my head!!
in my views this is dmxs best album...then there wuz x the song is just brilliant
but all of dmxs albums are good because he is a very good artist
people would should buy it is people that love rap hiphop..most people has it but if u havent..BUY IT NOW!!!!
if u like the ruff ryder dmx a member of the ruff ryders keepz fans happy with his music he brings out
i like it so u will ...
l_e_e 08.10.2000
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of And Then There Was X [PA] - DMX
Product Information for "And Then There Was X [PA] - DMX" »
Product details
Title
And Then There Was X [PA]
Performer
DMX
Genre
R&B
Sub Genre
Gangsta / Hardcore
Release Date
20/12/1999
Recomended Retail Price
10.99 GBP
Original Release Year
1999
Label / Distributor
Def Jam / Universal Music
Engineer
Chris Theis; Adam Gazzola
Pieces in Set
1
Studio / Live
Studio
Stereo
Stereo
Format
Performer
EAN
731454693325
Catalogue Number
5469332
Additional notes
Album Notes
Personnel includes: DMX, Regina Bell, Dyme, Sisqo, The Lox, Drag-On. Producers include: Swizz Beatz, P. Killer Trackz, Grease, Shok, Nokio. Recorded at The Hit Factory, Miami, Florida and Power House, Yonkers, New York. AND THEN THERE WAS X was nominated for the 2001 Grammy Award for Best Rap Album and "Party Up" was nominated for Best Rap Solo Performance. No other rapper exerts quite as much energy as Def Jam heavyweight DMX. With his adrenaline-pumped hip-hop anthems, Yonkers native DMX has taken the hip-hop industry by storm. His third album, AND THEN THERE WAS X came only one year after his highly-anticipated second album, FLESH OF MY FLESH..., which came only six months after his multi-platinum debut, IT'S DARK AND HELL IS HOT. With this series of rapid-fire releases, DMX was able to remain on the cutting edge of rap. "What's My Name?" perhaps most clearly demonstrates the power of the Ruff Ryder frontman. The other Swizz Beatz-produced tracks bring forth more of the same flavor. His rough-edged lyrics and spitfire delivery will leave his "dogs" foaming at the mouth for more. Though X is backed by one of hip-hop's most prominent crews (the Ruff Ryders), the platinum pit bull proves he can hold his own and then some.
Album Reviews
The Source (3/00, p.256) - 3.5 mics out of 5 - "...[DMX] hits you with that same X flow that made you wanna get at him in the first place. And as usual, the other side of his duel persona has a revealing conversation with God....his bark calls us...you just gotta feel." Rolling Stone (2/3/00, p.58) - 3 stars out of 5 - "...he moves...with verve....DMX doesn't stray far from his proven formula: schizophrenic flows and old-age-wisdom-meets-street-knowledge buttressed by sea-chanteylike choruses..." Q Magazine (3/00, p.100) - 4 stars out of 5 - "...Excellent. The results are thrilling: dynamic anthemic stadium rap, plus loads of swearing..." Entertainment Weekly (1/14/00, pp.73-4) - "...What makes DMX so compelling is the ravaged grain and electric urgency of his voice - he sounds like a man who...is just about to blow....That internal drama lends X a thematic ambition few contemporary rappers even bother to strive for..." - Rating: A-
Titles on disc 1
1.
Kennel
2.
One More Radio To Cross
3.
Professional
4.
Fame
5.
Lot To Learn
6.
Here We Go Again
7.
Party Up (Up In Here)
8.
Make A Move
9.
What These Bastards Want
10.
What's My Name
11.
More 2 A Song
12.
Don't You Ever
13.
Shakedown
14.
D-X-L (Hard White)
15.
Comin' For Ya
16.
Prayer 3
17.
Angel
18.
Good Girls Bad Guys
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Listed on Ciao since
16/06/2000
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