Books Written by Rapper DMX

When you think of DMX, you quickly remember the gritty voice, high-energy performances, and his heartfelt storytelling that made him one of Hip-Hop’s most recognizable and unforgettable voices. But DMX, born Earl Simmons, also left his mark in the literary world. While his catalog of albums is extensive, his written book collection comes down to one powerful and unflinching memoir: E.A.R.L.: The Autobiography of DMX. How many books has DMX written? 1. Here’s a look at the book written by DMX:

E.A.R.L.: The Autobiography of DMX (2003)

Co-written with Smokey D. Fontaine
Publisher: It Books (HarperCollins)
Release Date: October 21, 2003
Page Length: 352 pages
ISBN: 9780060934033

Published at the height of his music career, E.A.R.L. is a brutally honest look at DMX’s life, told in his own words. The title has a double meaning, E.A.R.L. is not only his birth name but also stands for “Ever Always Real Life,” a fitting description for a man who prided himself on authenticity and a great title for his book.

What’s Inside E.A.R.L.: The Autobiography of DMX?

In E.A.R.L., DMX takes readers through the full spectrum of his life experiences, many of which were as dark as they were formative. The memoir explores:

• A troubled childhood: Abandonment by his parents, time in group homes, and surviving on the streets of Yonkers.

• Early run-ins with the law: Arrests, juvenile detention, and navigating a dangerous environment.

• The birth of DMX the artist: How battling in local cyphers and writing rhymes became an escape and eventually a career.

• Fame and the struggles that followed: Balancing success with personal demons, legal battles, and inner conflict.

While E.A.R.L. was well-received upon release in 2003, it gained renewed attention after DMX’s passing in April 2021. Fans pushed the memoir back onto bestseller lists, proving the depth of connection people still felt for his story. Many readers describe it as one of the most authentic and moving hip-hop autobiographies ever written. The book captures X’s voice, it’s raw, vulnerable, and unapologetic, offering the same intensity found in his music but through the lens of his own life story.

E.A.R.L. is the only book DMX ever wrote. He poured so much of himself into it that it stands as his definitive written legacy. It remains a must-read for Hip-Hop fans, biographers, and anyone interested in the unfiltered truth of an artist who lived life without compromise.

DMX’s music was his primary medium, but E.A.R.L.: The Autobiography of DMX proves that his storytelling ability extended far beyond the studio. It’s not just a rap memoir, this book is a survival story, a cautionary tale, and a celebration of resilience. If you’re a lifelong fan or new to his work, this book is an essential piece of DMX’s legacy. Rest in Peace DMX.

Want to read more Hip-Hop books like any of these titles? Check our full collection at HipHopBooks.com for the greatest books in Rap/Hip-Hop.

A book every Rap/Hip-Hop fan should have in their library is the Rap Dictionary.

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