DMX Album: “The Definition of X: The Pick of the Litter [PA]”

Like a lot of people my age, DMX is an artist I've grown up listening to, and while he's never been my favorite rapper, I've always thoroughly enjoyed his music, be it pump-up jams, depressed narratives, or collabos with the Ruff Ryders. "The Definition of X: Pick of the Litter" is a poorly labeled greatest hits compilation of his five Def Jam albums. DMX left Def Jam in 2005, so his most recent album, 2006's

is not represented on this disc. The bulk of the album's tracklist is taken from his first two albums,

and

, both released in 1998. These albums are widely considered classic material and contain a lot of his darker, angrier work. There are six songs from 1999's

, his most commercially successful album, containing most of his most popular hits. 2001's

and 2003's

both contribute two tracks, which is suitable because while both solid albums, they contained less great material than his first three. Like with any greatest hits compilation, everyone's always going to have a little beef with the tracklist, personally I would have liked to see some tracks from the Ruff Ryders albums and some more soundtrack cuts, and a few notable hits are missing such as "I Miss You" and "Get It on the Floor." If you've had access to a radio or cable TV over the last eight years, chances are you know most, if not all, of these songs. But overall, this is a very potent collection of some great music.

DMX is a passionate and totally engaging rapper, and he can range from sullen and depressed to inspired and pumping. His best known work would be his club hits such as "Party Up (Up in Here)" and "Ruff Ryders Anthem." These upbeat bangers, of which there are many on this collection, are all wonderfully produced and extremely entertaining. And while there's less in the tracklist, you also get a taste of his sullen and spiritual side with songs like "The Rain" and the "Prayer" interludes. The tracklist is pretty well rounded and well selected.

If any DMX fans are confused by this recent release, don't be fooled by the misleading title and art, because this is a greatest hits collection. Those fans who own his Def Jam albums need not purchase this, because they will have all those songs already. But if you're just getting into DMX or never got around to buying one of his albums, this would certainly be a worthwhile purchase. I know I've spent countless hours listening to the songs on this tracklist over the years, and a few others probably will now too thanks to this collection.

This particular [CD] [DMX] "The Definition of X: Pick of The Litter [Deluxe Limited Edition] worked out good for me because just when I thought I had all [DMX] [Cd's] I happen to find this one which I know this [CD] is going to be a collectors editions. For the price you pay now your getting a great deal. I would happily recommend this [CD] to all you Hip-Hop lovers.

Thanks'

Benjamin Mejia.

The producted was packaged well, was exactly what I wanted, received what I order and it was odelivered on time as tracking information stated.....

I have been a true DMX fan, since 1997. In his rhymes you can hear his hurt deep within. My personal favorite song is slippin in my darkness hours of life, that song saved me emotionally. I also love his cockiness, in the song What the B-----'s want, and F--- all day. I enjoy all the songs selected on this disc.

His songs are not negative, they are about him releasing his rage, in his journey in life. If people are not familar with the streets, then they would think his music is offensive, or if those who never had struggle, and don't understand street lifestyle, would be threatened by the content in his music.

NO matter what, the media says about you, I appreciate your artistic style, and rhyme skills. If you are fan of DMX then get this CD.

The sole reason why I didn't purchase this album is because "Get It On The Floor" was not included. I was at Best Buy with Pick of the Litter in my hand when I slowly came to this awful realization as I scanned the track list on the back--I reluctantly put it back on the shelf. DMX is one of the best-selling rappers of all time, born with a golden, milllion-dollar voice other artists would kill for. Pick of the Litter should've been one of the best albums in the history of hip hop; instead, it's like purchasing Jay-Z's greatest hits without "99 Problems," Tupac's without "California Love," or Nas's without "Made You Look."