Flesh Of My Flesh, Blood Of My Blood

...if [a]DMX[/a] has done half the things he claims to have on this descent into darkness and mayhem, then the US penal authorities would probably like a word or two....

His mother knows him as Earl Simmons. And if DMX has done half the things he claims to have on this descent into darkness and mayhem, then the US penal authorities would probably like a word or two. Whichever way, a dog-loving misanthropic loner is the hottest product in hip-hop right now.

People just can't get enough of DMX; hence his second opus in six months, which lacks the sheer unfamiliar impact of its predecessor, but is still more morbid than a sick horror flick.

From inner sleeve pictures of our loveable cuddly bunny relaxing in a bath of human blood, to the sinister collaboration with Marilyn Manson on 'The Omen', 'Flesh Of My Flesh...' wears its nihilistic tendencies on its heart. Even the fact that 'It's All Good' revives the old-skool classic 'Heartbeat', with more obscene lyrics, doesn't conceal a gothic, almost Luciferian vibe.

And yet, when all the rights and wrongs are weighed up, especially on the spectral gospel closer ('Ready To Meet Him') and a tormented blues ('Slippin''), Earl Simmons just comes across as a man who's hurting real bad. Not drowning, but waving.

6 out of 10