Zulfiqar's Reviews > E.A.R.L.: The Autobiography of DMX

An autobiographical narrative of Earl “Ruff Ryder, Dark Man X’s.” upbringing in the 1970s crack epidemic Mount Vernon, New York. Behind the multi platinum hip hop success and film career DMX is plagued with chronic drug use, infidelity, and frequent arrests. The book chronicles his impoverished childhood in the ghetto suffering consistent bronchitis and asthma. Both sad and fond memories with family and close friends are shared. We witness through his eyes his early adolescent exposure to drugs and alcohol. Tortured by his past demons endearing physical and emotional abuse at the hands of his mother and her boyfriends. We discover his love for Gospel and rap music inspire him to become an MC, battle rapper and lyricist as means of protection from the foster homes and youth correctional facilities Many of these early traumatic experiences will eventually shape his lyrics and future.