Earl Simmons, aka famed rapper DMX, nearly lost his life to a drug overdose in February, but now he touts his plans to become a pastor.
“It’s almost like the prodigal son,” DMX said in a radio interview. “He who is dead is now alive; he who is lost is now found.”
DMX says he feels called to be a pastor, and he believes his influence in the music world has allowed him to create a platform.
“That’s where I can’t give you an answer—will I have more influence as a pastor or a rap artist?” DMX says. “But I do believe that God allowed my music career to create the platform to lay the foundation to gain the ear, to gain the credibility, so that way when I do become a pastor, I don’t think I’m going to lose fans, I think I’m going to gain more.”
DMX has quite the testimony. He nearly died from a drug overdose earlier this year. He pleaded guilty to drug possession in 2008 and spent time in jail for the charges in 2009.
“Whenever I went through something, it brought me way more closer to God,” DMX says. “And I stated it in a song, so now I’m closer to God. But being closer is hard. The attacks get stronger, become much harder to fight, and they last longer! That’s what it’s always been … but with the right perspective it can be something to gain.”
But his faith shines through his lyrics:
Life or death
Live or die
I will never live a lie
I’m going there cause I try
I wont quit until I die
I’m gone make it wrong or right
Make it through the darkest night
When the morning comes you’ll see
All I have is God in me
(Lord give me a sign!)
No weapon formed against me shall prosper
For this is the heritage of the servants of the Lord
In the name of Jesus
Lord give me a sign
Amen
