In the late ‘90s, the New York rapper DMX (born Earl Simmons) came to define the sound of hip hop with his run of chart-topping albums.

With that rough growl in his voice, he stood apart from the pack, and sounded every bit as tough as the upbringing he had endured.

DMX’s successful career though didn’t make life any easier for the man. Prison, drug addiction, and multiple attempts at rehabilitation, all stood in the way of the rapper maintaining momentum in his professional and personal life. However, he hung onto his deep spirituality, and his concerts became known as much for the rapper’s prayers as they did for his barking party anthems.

His last album was in 2012. After he saw the fan’s love coming in during his Verzuz battle with Snoop Dogg last year, he realised another release was long overdue. Working with long-time producer and friend Swizz Beatz, they started on new music, bringing in a stellar cast of guests befitting the man’s reputation. JAY-Z, Nas, Alicia Keys, Bono, Lil’ Wayne, Usher, Snoop Dogg and others now appear on Exodus, DMX’s eight and final studio album.

Richard Kingsmill covers the album and DMX’s place in hip hop in this conversation with Swizz Beatz.