When hip hop lost DMX, the world didn’t just lose a rapper — it lost a voice that spoke to pain, struggle, faith, and survival. Over a month after his tragic passing, fans are finding comfort in the fact that his legacy lives on. That legacy takes shape in Exodus, DMX’s first album in nearly nine years.
Produced by his longtime friend and collaborator Swizz Beatz, this project is more than just a posthumous release. It’s a final love letter to hip hop, his fans, and his family. If you’ve ever been moved by DMX’s raw honesty and unapologetic style, this album will remind you why he was — and still is — one of the most powerful voices in music.
In this article, we’ll break down why Exodus is such a landmark album and why it’s worth listening to, whether you’ve been a fan for decades or are just discovering DMX now.
1. Exodus Marks DMX’s Return After Nearly a Decade
It’s hard to believe that before Exodus, DMX hadn’t released a full studio album since 2012’s Undisputed. Fans had been waiting nearly nine years for new music, and when he announced the project back in August 2020, the anticipation skyrocketed.
Unfortunately, his untimely passing in April 2021 made the release bittersweet. Instead of being just another album rollout, Exodus became his swan song. For many, it’s a way of hearing his voice once more, unfiltered and full of the passion that made him unforgettable.
2. A Star-Studded Collaboration That Bridges Generations
One of the most exciting parts of Exodus is its lineup. DMX didn’t just bring in big names — he brought in artists that represent different eras and corners of music. The album features:
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Lil Wayne – A modern hip hop giant who has influenced an entire generation.
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Alicia Keys – Her soulful voice perfectly balances DMX’s grit.
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Snoop Dogg – A longtime peer who shared both rivalry and respect with X.
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Benny the Butcher – A rising lyricist bringing hardcore hip hop back to the mainstream.
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Bono – Yes, the U2 frontman, showing DMX’s crossover influence.
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Moneybagg Yo – Proof of DMX’s relevance in today’s hip hop scene.
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Usher – Lending heartfelt vocals to “Letter to My Son (Call Your Father).”
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Jay-Z and Nas – On “Bath Salts,” two legends and former foes of DMX join forces.
This diverse mix highlights DMX’s universal reach. From old-school rap heads to younger fans, the album feels like a celebration of hip hop as a whole.
3. A Reflection of His Faith and Redemption
If you’ve followed DMX’s journey, you know faith was central to his life. After years of personal struggles, he leaned heavily on Christianity, and it shows in Exodus.
The album isn’t just about bars and beats. It’s about redemption, forgiveness, and the human spirit. DMX was always transparent about his battles, and hearing him balance raw aggression with spiritual undertones makes this album deeply moving. It’s almost as if he knew this would be his final testimony.
4. Swizz Beatz Honors His Best Friend’s Vision
Behind the boards, Exodus is guided by none other than Swizz Beatz — the man who has been in DMX’s corner since the Ruff Ryders days. For Swizz, this wasn’t just another production job; it was personal.
Speaking to Hot 97, Swizz explained:
“People should hear what he wanted them to hear. Nothing should stop the creativity from flowing because it’s actually what he had fun doing. This was his gift to his audience and his family and his fans. It’s only right that people should get the gift that he left them.”
That authenticity is what makes Exodus feel genuine. It’s not a rushed cash-grab like some posthumous albums can be. Instead, it’s carefully put together with love and respect for DMX’s vision.
5. The Emotional Weight of “Letter to My Son”
One of the most talked-about tracks on the album is “Letter to My Son (Call Your Father).” Featuring Usher’s soulful vocals, it’s an intimate, heart-wrenching song that dives into DMX’s regrets and longing as a father.
It’s not easy to listen to, but that’s the point. DMX never shied away from being vulnerable, and here, you hear a man confronting his flaws and pain. For many fans, this song alone makes the album unforgettable.
6. A Unifying Moment With Jay-Z and Nas
For years, hip hop fans dreamed of hearing DMX, Jay-Z, and Nas on the same track. That dream finally came true with “Bath Salts.”
What makes it so special isn’t just the lyrical heavyweights on the mic but the history behind it. DMX and Jay-Z had a rocky past filled with competition and beef, but here they put differences aside for the culture. It’s a moment that feels bigger than just music — it’s history.
7. A Final Gift to His Fans
Perhaps the most important reason Exodus matters is that it truly feels like a gift. DMX left fans with something to hold onto, something that captures who he was in his final years.
Yes, it’s an album. But more than that, it’s closure. It’s proof that even after everything he went through, his voice, message, and legacy live on.
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Why Exodus Is a Must-Listen
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It bridges old-school and new-school hip hop.
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It shows DMX’s vulnerability and faith.
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It delivers rare collaborations fans have wanted for years.
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It proves DMX’s impact stretches far beyond music.
For anyone who grew up with It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot or Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood, Exodus feels like a homecoming. For new listeners, it’s a raw introduction to one of hip hop’s most authentic voices.
The Legacy Lives On
DMX may be gone, but Exodus ensures that his spirit stays alive. It’s a reminder that music has the power to outlive us, carrying our stories, struggles, and triumphs to the next generation.
When you listen to Exodus, you’re not just streaming an album. You’re connecting with an artist who poured his soul into every word — a man who fought, fell, rose again, and ultimately left behind a legacy that will never fade.
So turn up the volume, let the tracks play, and remember the greatness that was Earl “DMX” Simmons.
