DMX

Like pop stars in the days of yore, late-1990s hip-hop icon DMX has made his mark both as a recording artist and as an actor. His charisma and intensity serve him as well on screen as they do on record, and he has appeared in such popular films as ROMEO MUST DIE and EXIT WOUNDS. Musically, the artist formerly known as Earl Simmons employs rough-edged lyrics and a spitfire delivery that make him seem like a sonic force of nature. Like any hardcore rapper worth his salt, DMX has had his brushes with the law, but he's never let legal difficulties stand in the way of his career.

• pop
• hip hop/rap