It's Dark and Hell Is Hot

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.
Producers include: Irv Gotti, Lil' Rob, Swizz, PK, Dame Grease.
Engineers include: Patrick Viala, Justice Johnson, Rich Keller.
Personnel: Jamie ?, Randy ?, Warren, Nardo (vocals); Lovey Ford, Schamika Grant (background vocals).
Audio Mixers: D'Anthony Johnson; Dame Grease; Charles "Prince Charles" Alexander ; Prince Charles; Ken "Duro" Ifill; Kevin Crouse; Rich Keller.
Recording information: New Horizon Sounds Studio, Inc., Capital Heights, MD; Power House, New Y; Quad Recording Studios, New York, NY.
Photographer: Jonathan Mannion.
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.