DMX had a long association with Ruff Ryders Entertainment, which was founded as an artist management firm in the early '80s. They tried to launched DMX in 1992 with the single "Born Loser," distributed by Columbia Records, but it went nowhere. The breakthrough for Ruff Ryders came when their act The Lox signed to Bad Boy Records, which released their debut album Money, Power & Respect in early 1998. DMX features on the title track, and Ruff Ryders producers Swizz Beatz and Dame Grease are all over it. Later that year, DMX secured a deal with Def Jam and released his debut album, It's Dark And Hell Is Hot, which features "Ruff Ryders' Anthem," a tribute to the collective that makes it clear they are not to be messed with.
"Ruff Ryders' Anthem" was the first hit produced by Swizz Beatz, who went on to become one of the top beatmakers in the game. His tracks include "Check On It" by Beyoncé and "Fancy" by Drake.
The video, directed by J. Jesses Smith, was DMX' second, following "Get At Me Dog." For "Ruff Ryders' Anthem," he wanted to take it to the street - literally. The video was shot outside with Ruff Ryders members and their associates. It's flavored with shots of stunt riders on motorcycles.
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