Review
"The Great Depression," DMX's fourth studio album, delivered in 2001, marks another milestone in the artist's career, as it continued to cement his presence in the rap scene with his fourth straight plunge to number one on the US Billboard 200 chart. The first week's sales of the album, though lower than his previous records, still showcased an impressive 439,000 copies sold, painting a picture of steadfast fan support amidst a broader slowdown in the music industry.
Critics gave the album a spectrum of reviews, aggregating to a moderate average score; yet, it's the fans who often find themselves drawn to DMX's unfiltered expression of life's harsh realities through his music. Tracks like "We Right Here" and "Who We Be" are emblematic of the rapper's hard-hitting style, one that is unafraid to delve into personal tribulation with a potent combination of stark lyrics and compelling rhythms.
The album exudes a boldness not just in its vocal delivery, but also in its diverse production choices, merging influential samples with crisp, original compositions. This artistic tapestry is further enriched by appearances from notable artists like Stephanie Mills and Faith Evans who inject a dose of soul into the project. Despite usual collaborations with The LOX being conspicuously absent—which themselves signify a moment of contention within the hip-hop realm—DMX's "The Great Depression" stands tall as an album brimming with significance. It might not have broken his own records, but it certainly underpins his unrelenting relevance and the gritty storytelling that defines his brand of music. - Karl
