What makes X Gon' Give It to Ya by DMX notable?

The album features a track that became a cultural staple, often sampled and referenced in various media, including film and television. Its infectious energy contributed to DMX's reputation as a powerhouse performer and helped solidify the East Coast rap scene's prominence in the early 2000s. Released in early 2003, X Gon' Give It to Ya came during DMX's commercial peak following the success of his previous albums. At this point, he was already an established figure in hip-hop, known for his gritty style and dynamic performances.

How many songs are on X Gon' Give It to Ya?

X Gon' Give It to Ya has 3 tracks, running approximately 11 minutes.

X Gon' Give It to Ya

DMX · 2003

11 min · 3 tracks · gangsta rap

A raw, aggressive anthem fueled by relentless beats and DMX's signature growl, infusing urgency into every line.

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Top tracks — play these first

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X Gon' Give It to Ya (album version) — This titular track is a high-octane declaration of resilience and determination, showcasing DMX’s unique vocal delivery and commanding presence that encapsulates his signature style.
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Right / Wrong — In this track, DMX confronts moral dilemmas with his characteristic raw honesty, blending introspection with hard-hitting beats that highlight his lyrical prowess.
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X Gon' Give It to Ya (radio edit) — The radio edit reached a broader audience while maintaining the song's intense energy, illustrating DMX's crossover appeal without sacrificing authenticity.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The single showcases strong energy and distinct vocal delivery but lacks depth in cohesion due to its brevity.

What we noticed

The title track features a driving beat with aggressive delivery, maintaining high energy throughout its duration.
The album version of 'X Gon' Give It to Ya' includes additional verses and a more intense vocal performance compared to the radio edit.
The final track, 'Right / Wrong,' shifts in tone with a slower tempo and introspective lyrics, contrasting sharply with the preceding tracks.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — The single solidified DMX's status in hip-hop during his commercial peak.
Themes: gritty urban resilience· moral dilemmas in survival· East Coast aggression
Career context: Released in early 2003, X Gon' Give It to Ya came during DMX's commercial peak following the success of his previous albums. At this point, he was already an established figure in hip-hop, known for his gritty style and dynamic performances.
Stylistic neighbors: Nas· Jay-Z· 50 Cent