1x197 - Behind the Music

Born Earl Simmons and raised in the notorious School Street Projects of Yonkers, NY, multi platinum rapper DMX was drawn to life on the streets. This episode of Behind the Music will trace DMX's journey from his childhood home of violent beatings and his experience with the juvenile justice system to becoming the voice of the streets. As a rapper, he battled his way to the top, becoming the first hip hop artist to have 5 consecutive records debut at Number 1 and crossing over into a lucrative movie career.But DMX's life long demons have yet to be quelled and through out his entire career, run-ins with the law have been the norm. For the first time, DMX comes clean about his criminal record, including a shooting he was a part of that the police never solved, as well as his infamous arrest at JFK Airport for impersonating an FBI agent. The artist also reveals his struggle with his 25 year-long addiction to crack cocaine. We'll see never before aired footage of DMX's earliest battles and his life in Yonkers.Candid interviews with his family, his wife as well as hip hop luminaries Irv Gotti, Lyor Cohen, Swizz Beatz and Eve contribute personal stories to this in depth profile of a troubled and incredibly gifted artist.