Released on May 5, 1998, "Ruff Ryders’ Anthem" became the third single from DMX’s debut album, . It didn't just top the charts; it shifted the entire sound of the era. At a time when hip-hop was leaning into glossy, "shiny suit" production, DMX brought a feral intensity back to the forefront.
The Bet That Changed Everything: The Story of "Ruff Ryders’ Anthem" ruff_ryders_anthem
Despite his initial reluctance, the energy in the room was undeniable. The iconic were added naturally by the crew during the recording session to hype DMX up, and they ultimately stayed in the final track to preserve that raw street energy. Shifting the Culture Released on May 5, 1998, "Ruff Ryders’ Anthem"
: While it originally peaked at #93 on the Billboard Hot 100, it reached a new peak of #16 in 2021 following DMX's death. The Bet That Changed Everything: The Story of
: The music video featured the crew bodybuilding and performing stunts on motorcycles, cementing the Ruff Ryders as more than just a label—it was a lifestyle of brotherhood and survival.