DMX ft. Joyner Lucas – “Bring Out The Worst”
DMX’s estate drops “Bring Out The Worst” single with Joyner Lucas
On Friday, fans around the world celebrated the 27th anniversary of It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot, the groundbreaking debut album from DMX. More than two decades after it first dropped, the album continues to be hailed as a game-changer in hip-hop. Now certified 4x Platinum by the RIAA, the record marked the explosive arrival of one of the most distinctive voices in rap history.
To commemorate this moment, a brand-new single titled “Bring Out The Worst” has been released. The track features none other than lyrical heavyweight Joyner Lucas and is now available on all major digital streaming platforms via DNA Music Group/Hitmaker Distro.
But “Bring Out The Worst” is more than just a single—it’s the first taste of a larger, highly anticipated posthumous DMX project, set for release later this summer. Titled DMX Features, this album will include never-before-heard collaborations between DMX and some of the most prominent names in modern rap.
“Bring Out The Worst”: A Modern Throwback to Raw Energy
True to DMX’s legacy, “Bring Out The Worst” doesn’t pull any punches. It’s gritty, intense, and emotionally charged—everything fans have come to expect from one of rap’s most passionate and authentic voices.
The production on the track channels that late-‘90s raw East Coast sound but blends it with modern polish. Joyner Lucas delivers a sharp, introspective performance, complementing X’s commanding verses. It’s not a gimmick or cash grab—it’s real hip-hop, and it honors the blueprint DMX laid down decades ago.
Listeners have already begun dissecting the lyrics, drawing parallels between DMX’s powerful delivery and his past struggles with fame, faith, and inner demons. At its core, “Bring Out The Worst” is a reminder: DMX never faked the pain he rapped about, and that honesty still resonates today.
The Significance of It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot
Released on May 19, 1998, It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200. It didn’t just perform well—it kicked down the doors for a new era of hip-hop. At a time when glossy, flashy rap dominated the charts, DMX brought something raw and spiritual. His barking ad-libs, aggressive flows, and prayers between songs created a unique soundscape that was unapologetically street and deeply human.
The album helped define the sound of late-’90s East Coast rap and positioned DMX alongside contemporaries like Nas and Jay-Z. But unlike many of his peers, X offered a chaotic vulnerability that felt dangerous and deeply real. This energy made It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot an instant classic, and that same intensity is felt in “Bring Out The Worst.”
Who Is Joyner Lucas?
While DMX’s impact is carved into hip-hop history, Joyner Lucas represents the present and future of lyrical rap. Known for his intricate storytelling, emotional honesty, and razor-sharp bars, Lucas has built a dedicated following over the past decade.
His collaborations with artists like Eminem, Logic, and Chris Brown showcase his versatility. But what makes this collaboration unique is the shared emotional weight both rappers carry in their music. “Bring Out The Worst” feels less like a feature and more like a spiritual passing of the torch—two artists bonded by raw expression and emotional depth.
Joyner’s inclusion in this project isn’t just about name recognition—it’s about aligning two generations of artists who understand the responsibility that comes with speaking from the soul.
What to Expect from DMX Features
The upcoming DMX Features project is expected to be one of the most significant posthumous hip-hop releases in years. According to early teasers, the album will feature previously unreleased verses and full songs from the late rapper, paired with modern collaborators who align with his gritty, introspective style.
The project aims to be more than a compilation. It’s designed as a celebration of DMX’s unmatched energy, his lyrical talent, and the personal struggles he shared so openly through music.
While the full tracklist hasn’t been released, fans can expect appearances from artists who respected and were influenced by DMX, both personally and musically. The careful curation promises to maintain X’s artistic integrity and deliver songs that feel authentic to his legacy.
Why Posthumous Releases Matter
Posthumous albums often generate debate among fans. Are they honoring the artist’s vision, or are they profit-driven remixes of a legacy?
In DMX’s case, there’s a clear sense that DMX Features is rooted in reverence. Since his untimely death in 2021, the hip-hop world has rallied around his memory—not just through tributes, but by keeping his voice alive in a way that resonates with both older and newer audiences.
Posthumous projects also serve a cultural purpose. They connect generations, introduce new fans to iconic voices, and extend the narrative of an artist’s life beyond their physical presence. When done right, they become living testaments to an artist’s impact—and DMX Features has all the hallmarks of such a project.
Streaming and Supporting the Legacy
“Bring Out The Worst” is now streaming on all major platforms:
- Spotify
- Apple Music
- TIDAL
- Amazon Music
- YouTube Music
Fans can support DMX’s legacy by adding the track to playlists, sharing it on social media, and introducing it to younger listeners unfamiliar with his work. Music discovery today is heavily algorithm-driven, and every stream helps push DMX’s message to the next generation.
DMX’s Cultural Footprint: Beyond Music
DMX was more than just a rapper. He was a father, actor, poet, and spiritual man who wore his flaws like armor. His vulnerability on tracks like “Slippin’” made him a symbol of resilience. His public battles with addiction and redemption made his victories all the more inspiring.
Even in film, DMX left his mark with performances in Belly, Romeo Must Die, and Cradle 2 the Grave. His presence on screen mirrored his music—intense, memorable, and unmistakably real.
As “Bring Out The Worst” reignites interest in his catalog, it’s a perfect time for fans to revisit not only his music but his broader contributions to culture.
The Power of Authenticity in Hip-Hop
One of the reasons DMX continues to be revered is because he never tried to be anything he wasn’t. His music didn’t follow trends; it set them. In a time when image often outweighs substance, his authenticity remains refreshing—even posthumously.
“Bring Out The Worst” echoes that legacy. It proves that honest music never dies. And paired with a talent like Joyner Lucas, it’s a sign that the spirit of true hip-hop is very much alive.
A Voice That Still Roars
More than four years after his passing, DMX’s voice still commands attention. “Bring Out The Worst” is raw proof of that. It’s not nostalgia—it’s relevance. It’s a sound, a feeling, and a force that continues to shape the genre.
As we await the full DMX Features album, fans can celebrate what this single represents: the endurance of real music, real emotion, and a real legend.