Worked out in a gym with DMX once.

Listened to him growing up, but here's a great story of hustle you probably don't know about DMX.

In 1998...

He released his debut album "It's Dark and Hell Is Hot" in May, 1998 (important context).

It had the you know DMX for: "Ruff Ryders' Anthem".

It went #1.

Normally an artist would wait 12-18 months to juice the album, releasing videos, touring, etc.

Not DMX though.

Instead DMX went straight back into the studio and recorded his 2nd album in less than 30 days.

Why?

Island Def Jam told him that if he could do another album in 30 days, he’d get a million-dollar bonus.

Here's the kicker though.

His second album - "Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood." ALSO went #1, making DMX the first rapper to have two #1 albums in the same year.

It was only 6 months, too! Released in Dec.

This changed music production and rapid releasing forever.

My fave is DMX's take:

"I made $144 million for [Def Jam] that 1st year. I felt vindicated. I knew I was f***ing dope. Not in an arrogant way, but in a way that was like, “Yes, I dare to believe in myself.”

Anyways...these stories keep me going.

RIP Dark Man X

If you want to go deeper on DMX or that crazy year, here's an article from @thefader: http://www.thefader.com/2016/12/04/dmx-flesh-of-my-flesh-oral-history-ruff-ryders