Posthumous DMX album, ‘Exodus’, will be released this month

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A posthumous DMX album will be released this month, ‘Exodus’, slated to arrive via Def Jam Records on 28th May 

The legendary rapper, real name Earl Simmons, had been working on the record prior to his death last month, a process that began after reuniting with the label in 2019. The imprint previously carried some of his best-loved work, including inaugural 1988 outing, ‘It’s Dark And Hell Is Hot’. 

Long-term friend and executive producer Swiss Beatz dropped news of the forthcoming release via social media on Monday 10th May, and issued a statement giving some insight into a release that was already significant long before last month’s tragedy. 

“This album, X couldn’t wait for his fans all around the world to hear and show just how much he valued each and every single person that has supported him unconditionally,” the statement reads. “My brother X was one of the most pure and rare souls I’ve ever met. He lived his life dedicated to his family and music. Most of all, he was generous with his giving and loved his fans beyond measure.” 

DMX had confirmed a fresh project was incoming in several  interviews  before April, letting it slip a new LP would include features from Alicia Keys, Usher, Lil Wayne, Snoop Dogg, Griselda Crew members and Pop Smoke. It’s not known if these will appear on ‘Exodus’ itself. So far, two DMX tracks have been unveiled since his passing; the French Montana collaboration ‘Been To War’ from the Godfather of Harlem soundtrack, and ‘X Moves’, which sees Bootsy Collins join prog rockers Iain Prince and Steve Howe (respectively of Deep Purple and Yes) on the credits. 

DMX died in hospital on 9th April, having reportedly suffered an overdose and subsequent heart attack seven days earlier. The tragedy resulted in an outpouring of tributes to the 50 year old from the hip hop community and beyond. Millions watched his funeral, while his hometown of Yonkers, New York, announcing a statue or street would be named in his honour.