Ruff Ryders' Anthem
"Ruff Ryders' Anthem" is the third single off of American rapper DMX's third studio album It's Dark and Hell Is Hot. The song was released on May 5, 1998.
| "Ruff Ryders' Anthem" | |
|---|---|
| Song by DMX | |
| from the album It's Dark and Hell Is Hot | |
| Released | May 5, 1998 |
| Recorded | February 1998 |
| Genre | Hardcore hip hop |
| Length | 3:34 |
| Label | Ruff Ryders, Def Jam |
| Songwriter(s) | Earl Simmons, Kasseem Dean |
| Producer(s) | Swizz Beats |
When it came out, the song was able to make it to #33 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks and #93 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts.[1][2] In 2021, it was able to make it to #9 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, #16 on the Billboard Hot 100, and #36 on the Canadian Hot 100.[3] It was also certified 2× Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).[4]
During the making of the song, Swizz Beats said that DMX didn't want to do the song at first because he felt that it was too rock and roll. He eventually was talked into making it.[5]
In the song, DMX raps about how he and his crew, the Ruff Ryders, will kill anyone who crosses them.
A music video for the song was released. In the video, DMX and his crew drive motorcycles down the street and lift weights. He also raps on top of school buses. Swizz Beatz, The LOX, and Eve all appear in the video.[6]
References
- "DMX - Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks Chart History". Billboard. Retrieved September 2, 2023.
- "DMX - Hot 100 Chart History". Billboard. Retrieved September 2, 2023.
- "DMX - Canadian Hot 100 Chart History". Billboard. Retrieved September 2, 2023.
- "DMX – Ruff Ryders' Anthem". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved September 2, 2023.
- "Swizz Beatz Tells All: The Stories Behind His Classic Records (Part 1)". Complex. Retrieved September 2, 2023.
- "The 150 Greatest Hip-Hop Videos of All Time". Rolling Stone Australia. Retrieved September 2, 2023.