It turns out that late rap icon DMX—known for his bald head, raspy voice, and raw street energy—actually had hair early in his career. In a rare revelation, Ray Copeland, DMX’s uncle and former manager, shared the surprising detail in an interview with AllHipHop.com, confirming that the Yonkers-born legend sported hair during his formative “Divine Master Unknown” days.

The Rare Early Days of DMX

Before the world came to know DMX as the hard-hitting voice behind “Ruff Ryders’ Anthem” and “Party Up (Up in Here),” he was simply Earl Simmons — a young, hungry rapper from School Street, Yonkers. According to Copeland, this was the early 1990s, long before the fame, record deals, or iconic image fans recognize today.

“We were watching a video of him earlier rapping. He had hair,” AllHipHop revealed.
“It was like ’90. We were hanging around with Superior. They were parties and things back in School Street when he was in and out of jail and running around the streets doing his little things and stuff. But yeah, he had hair back then,” stated his uncle.

The mention of “Superior” likely refers to one of the local figures or early producers DMX associated with in the Yonkers hip-hop scene — a community that birthed several future stars and shaped the raw, unfiltered storytelling that defined DMX’s music.

“Divine Master Unknown” — The Hidden Origin

While DMX’s stage name has been widely believed to stand for Dark Man X, longtime fans know that the rapper also went by “Divine Master Unknown” early in his career. The name reflected a deeper, spiritual dimension to his persona — one that would later emerge through his heartfelt prayers and faith-centered lyrics.

During that time, Copeland said, DMX was still searching for direction and identity, experimenting with his sound and look. His appearance — including having hair — was part of that early creative evolution before his rugged, bald-headed image became synonymous with his artistry.

A Glimpse Into the Man Behind the Legend

This revelation adds another layer to DMX’s legacy, humanizing a figure often remembered for his intensity and pain. Before the fame, platinum records, and movie roles, he was just a young man navigating tough streets, hustling, performing at local parties, and finding his voice.

Fans have long been fascinated by unseen moments from DMX’s early life, and this new detail from his uncle provides a rare and nostalgic glimpse into that pre-fame chapter.

Legacy That Lives On

Though DMX passed away in 2021, his impact on hip-hop continues to resonate. From his gritty authenticity to his spiritual vulnerability, he remains one of rap’s most influential figures. And now, thanks to his uncle’s recollection, fans can imagine a different version of the icon — the young “Divine Master Unknown” with hair, rhyming on the streets of Yonkers long before the world was ready to stop, drop, and open up shop.