8

6.1

UK release date 12.07.2007

Just what has happened to DMX? He exploded onto the rap scene with one of the most exciting albums of the late-’90s and also churned out a pretty decent follow-up. Plus loyal fans have ranted and raved about his energetic stage-shows for years. X reportedly achieved multi-platinum status for his ’06 SonyBMG release ‘Year Of The Dog… Again’, but its contents seemed to be no match for the level of quality the canine-loving MC put out during the early stages of his career.
With Def Jam still owning the rights to the majority of his work, here comes a greatest hits collection which serves as a reminder that Dark Man X was once a hungry microphone fiend, and hasn’t always been the misguided individual we’ve seen caught up in so many controversial news stories of late. While this project dusts off the obvious hits (‘Ruff Ryders Anthem’, ‘Party Up (Up In Here)’ and ‘Slippin’) it’s actually the inclusion of some lesser known cuts that helps this collection of X classics reach its completion with few fast-forward moments. These gems include ‘The Rain’, ‘It’s All Good’ and ‘We Right Here’.

Opening and closing the album in typical DMX style with a rousing prayer, this tight anthology can be enjoyed by both new and old fans alike.
Words Will Lavin