Some people remember DMX for the late Ruff Ryder boss’ snarling, take-no-prisoners bars about the dangers of coming at him. But the MC born Earl Simmons was also memorably a deeply spiritual man whose lyrics often focused on the push-and-pull between sin and salvation.
The latter, more sacred, side of the born again rapper’s personality will be on display on the upcoming posthumous album Let Us Pray: Chapter X. The eight-track collection from Def Jam/UMe due out on Dec. 13 will combine DMX’s prayers with original music created by Grammy-winning gospel songwriter/producer Warryn Campbell (Kanye West, Alicia Keys).
“Working on Let Us Pray: Chapter X has been one of the most fulfilling experiences for me as a creative,” said Campbell in a statement. “When you hear the voice of DMX, it inspires instant creativity and what better way to showcase who X really was than through prayer. I believe I can speak for MC Lyte, Killer Mike, Snoop Dogg, LeCrae, Mary Mary, Lena Byrd Miles, and Terrace Martin when I say it was an honor and privilege to be part of this amazing work.”
According to a release, “Campbell notably crafted new original music to accompany the signature prayers of DMX and instrumentally scored these spoken-word messages straight from the artist’s heart.” The album features a number of additional vocals from artists including rappers Snoop Dogg, Killer Mike, MC Lyte and LeCrae, MC/producer Terrace Martin, as well as gospel acts Mary Mary, Lena Byrd Miles and the RoyzNoyz Orchestra.
“Ultimately, Let Us Pray: Chapter X reflects upon the depth, emotionality, and spirituality of DMX, and it invites fans to celebrate his legacy from a new standpoint altogether,” according to a statement about the album from the ordained pastor MC who died at 50 in April 2021 of a heart attack. “Let us pray/ Father, thank you for making me righteous/ And accepted through the blood of Jesus/ Because of that, I am blessed and highly favored by you/ I am the object of your affection,” DMX intones over sweeping strings on the emotional first single “Favor.”
The collection is the follow-up to 2021’s Exodus, the first posthumous album from the late “Party Up” rapper; X’s seventh, and final album released in his lifetime, was 2012’s Undisputed.
Listen to “Favor” here and check out the full track list below:
1. “Favor” (feat. Killer Mike, Mary Mary, & RoyzNoyz Orchestra)
2. “Bear” With Me (feat. LeCrae)
3. “One Life To Do It” (feat. MC Lyte & RoyzNoyz Orchestra)
4. “Until I’m Gone” (feat. Snoop Dogg, Terrace Martin, & Lena Byrd Miles)
5. “Favor” (Instrumental)
6. “Bear With Me” (Instrumental)
7. “One Life To Do It” (Instrumental)
8. “Until I’m Gone” (Instrumental)
