ATG = All Time Great.

I wouldn't consider myself a Hip-Hop conisuer but I am a fan of several artists within the genre. DMX is probably my favourite rapper in terms of flow. He has a rare combination of energy, forcefulness and... I guess I'd call it 'swing'.

He's fairly one dimensional lyrically but within that dimension he's extremely proficient. I also think he's suffered from mediocre productions throughout his career, he really only has a handful of Classic beats but his flow and charisma make up for it.

Despite his run of 4\5 number one albums I don't think he really crossed over internationally the way 2Pac or Jay-Z have.

For better or worse he has that air of genuine\legit menace\volitility about him which often makes Rappers compelling (ie 2pac) in short, he's walked the walk not just talked the talk. His lengthly criminal record speaks to that. In fact I think it's fair to say his seemingly never-ending troubles with the law derailed his career.

So what say you, where do you rank him within Hip-Hop?

Some of what I feel are his standout performances

24 hours to live - the rest of the rappers on this track sound asleep compared to X, his verse packs a serious punch with some memorable lines (or maybe it's just his energy which makes them memorable) "I know exactley where I'm going and Ima send you there first and with the shit that I'll be doin Ima send you there worse"

Stop Being Greedy - Classic track which makes great use of his 2 primary voices.

Ruff Ryder's Anthem and Some X Shit - Generally i don't think Swizz Beatz style suited X but somehow on these songs X rides these 'bouncy' beat so well that it somehow works)

Damien and ATF - Underrated story telling skills.

Murdergram (Probably my 2nd FAVOURITE)

It's Murda

X Gonna Give It To Ya

Tales from the hood

Why We Die

Where's the hood at?

Shot Down

Touch It

Come Thru (Move)

Homeboyz

Niggaz Dont Want It (Possibly my FAVOURITE)

East Coast Freestyle (Uncharacteristically 'relaxed' performance)

Ghetto Life