Following DMX’s sad passing earlier this year, Def Jam Records have announced the release of a new posthumous album.
It is 18 years since the late rapper’s last release with Def Jam and nine years since his most recent record Undisputed. The New York legends posthumous outing will be titled Exodus, and it is set for release on May 28th with Swizz Beatz taking on the role of executive producer.
The rapper was just 50-years-old when he passed away at White Sails Hospital in New York after falling into intensive care following a cardiac arrest on April 2nd.
When the little-known rapper made his Def Jam debut back in 1998 with It’s Dark, and Hell Is Hot, he became an instant legend. The album debuted at number one in the US his gruff style represented something of an underground shake-up in the rap world.
Thereafter, the rapper withdrew from the limelight slightly following legal troubles and a self-professed desire for a quieter life and his latter records after signing with Columbia failed to harness the same raucous energy of his debut feat.
Thus, his return to Def Jam for this posthumous release may well see a return to form, albeit it is difficult to tell from the limited details currently surrounding the record. Just prior to his passing the star teased the release of ‘Skyscraper’ a track that he had been working on with Bono of U2 fame. It is said that all the tracks on the album will be original songs, but it is not known whether they come from these sessions with Bono or also contain archival material.
His friend and collaborator Swizz Beatz announced the album with a statement declaring: “My brother X was one of the most pure and rare souls I’ve ever met. He lived his life dedicated to his family and music. Most of all, he was generous with his giving and loved his fans beyond measure. This album, X couldn’t wait for his fans all around the world to hear and show just how much he valued each and every single person that has supported him unconditionally.”
