Rolling Stone (7/9-23/98, p.134) - 3 Stars (out of 5) - "...relies heavily on pop-y, verse-chorus-verse song structures more common with commercial rappers than with roughneck MCs. DMX sidesteps the potential banality of this radio-ready format...with a ferocious delivery reminiscent of vintage L.L. Cool J..."
Spin (8/98, p.143) - 6 (out of 10) - "...a psychotic concept album that celebrates bloody style over creative substance....DMX never shares a worldview not seen from the inside of a prison or from behind a blue-steel trigger..."
Q (8/00, p.124) - 4 stars out of 5 - "...Hard-as-nails multi-platinum 1998 debut complete with wall-to-wall cursing, booming beats and - scariest of all - Phil Collins' 'In The Air Tonight' being given a good slapping..."
The Source (7/98, p.151) - 4 Mics (out of 5) - "...DMX raps as if he's about to explode....IT'S DARK AND HELL IS HOT is a mind-gripping opus that fully encompasses the appeal of one of rap's newest sensations..."
Personnel: DMX, Sheek, Big Stan, Loose, Kasino, Dragon, The Lox, Mase (rap vocals); Nardo (vocals).
Producers include: Irv Gotti, Lil' Rob, Swizz, PK, Dame Grease.
Engineers include: Patrick Viala, Justice Johnson, Rich Keller.
In 1998, DMX brings new energy to a laid-back hip-hop scene. While various MCs have been busy partying and dancing, DMX has been amping himself up for a powerful debut. IT'S DARK AND HELL IS HOT is the first full-length release from the rapper, despite an attempt to break through in 1993. It wasn't until legendary rap label Def Jam got a hold of him that DMX's career began to take off. While being featured on a number of blazing posse cuts, DMX took hip-hoppers to the next level with his smash single, "Get At Me Dog." With tight production and lyrical gymnastics, DMX puts the hardcore back into hip-hop.
