Live at Woodstock cover

Live at Woodstock

DMX · 1999

42 min · 17 tracks · gangsta rap

A raw, electrifying live performance that channels the gritty energy of late '90s hip-hop through DMX's commanding presence.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    I'm Gonna Start This Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
  • →
    Get At Me Dog — This track exemplifies DMX's signature growl and aggressive delivery, capturing the unfiltered essence of his style while resonating deeply with fans.
  • →
    Ruff Ryders Anthem — As a defining anthem for the Ruff Ryders collective, this song blends hard-hitting beats with motivational lyrics, showcasing DMX's ability to rally crowds.
  • →
    Slippin' — This track highlights DMX's vulnerability and introspection, offering a contrast to his otherwise tough persona and connecting emotionally with listeners.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

57 /100
Foothills
Higher than 48% of albums we've rated

The album captures DMX's raw energy and audience engagement, making it a notable live performance in hip-hop.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a brief intro before launching into high-energy tracks that maintain a relentless pace for the first half.
  • DMX frequently interacts with the audience, encouraging participation and creating a communal atmosphere throughout the performance.
  • Several tracks feature extended instrumental breaks, allowing the band to showcase their skills while building anticipation for DMX's verses.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • raw energy of live performance
  • short bursts of intensity
  • dynamic flow with crowd engagement
  • cathartic moments of expression
  • wave-like pacing throughout

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer polished studio recordings
  • seek lengthy, introspective tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Captures DMX's rise during a pivotal moment in his career.
Themes
Woodstock energy· raw stage presence· gritty storytelling
Career context
Released in 1999, 'Live at Woodstock' captures DMX during a pivotal moment in his career, shortly after the commercial success of his debut album 'It's Dark and Hell Is Hot'. This album showcases his ascendance in the hip-hop scene, highlighting his dynamic stage presence and connection with audiences as he solidified his status as a leading figure in East Coast hip-hop.
Stylistic neighbors
Nas· Jay-Z· 50 Cent

Tracklist

  • 1 Intro 1:13
  • 2 I'm Gonna Start This Start here 1:54
  • 3 My Niggas 1:55
  • 4 It's A War 2:03
  • 5 Fuckin' With D 2:03
  • 6 Stop Being Greedy 2:26
  • 7 It's All Good 2:58
  • 8 No Love For Me 1:23
  • 9 Damien 2:34
  • 10 Tell Me How U Feelin' 1:35
  • 11 Keep Your Shit The Hardest 2:58
  • 12 How It's Goin' Down 3:22
  • 13 Get At Me Dog 2:38
  • 14 Ruff Ryders Anthem 3:50
  • 15 Slippin' 4:14
  • 16 Prayer 3:22
  • 17 Ready To Meet Him 1:47

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata