DMX announces first Irish date

US hip-hop artist, DMX has announced his first Irish date for Dublin’s Ambassador Theatre on June 28.

Following the passing of the late Tupac Shakur and the notorious B.I.G., DMX has taken over as the king of hardcore rap.

The first artist ever to have his first four albums enter the charts at number one in the US album charts, DMX is a commercial powerhouse with street credibility.

He has since also proved himself on the big screen with a string of acclaimed film roles in Never Die Alone, Romeo Must Die, Exit Wounds, Belly, and Cradle 2 The Grave.

In the wake of Exit Wounds success, DMX also contributed the hit single No Sunshine to the soundtrack, and signed a multi-picture deal with Warner Bros.

Born Earl Simmons, his "rapid" ascent to stardom was almost a decade in the making

Featuring a controversial cover photo of the rapper covered in blood, DMX’s second album 1998’s Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood entered the charts at number one and eventually went triple platinum.

Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood included cameo appearances from the Lox, Jay-Z, Mary J. Blige (Coming From) and Marilyn Manson (The Omen). The following year, DMX hit the road with Jay-Z and the Method Man/Redman team on the blockbuster Hard Knock Life tour.

After contributing to the Ruff Ryders’ chart-topping Ryde Or Die Vol. 1 set, DMX quickly laid down tracks for his new album.

Despite being his third release in the space of two years, .. And Then There Was X was another slice of hardcore rap. The album followed its predecessors to the top of the US charts in January 2000.

In late 2002, DMX published his memoirs as E.A.R.L.: The Autobiography of DMX, and also recorded several tracks with Audioslave.

One of their collaborations, Here I Come, was featured on the soundtrack of DMX's next film, a reunion with Jet Li called Cradle 2 the Grave.

The film opened at number one on its release in March 2003, and its DMX-heavy soundtrack debuted in the Top Ten.

Tickets, at €40 (inc. booking fee), for DMX's Ambassador performance are available nationwide this Thursday from Ticketmaster and usual outlets. For telephone bookings, call the 24-hour Ticketmaster credit card line on 0818 719 300.