Late last month, Hip-Hop Heads received the album that DMX was working on during the final several years of his life. Overseen by Swizz Beatz, Exodus involves JAY-Z, Nas, Snoop Dogg, The LOX, Griselda, and others. The album also marked a reunion between X and Def Jam Records, where his career skyrocketed during the late 1990s. Exodus debuted at #8 on the Top 200, restoring Earl Simmons’ name amid the chart-toppers for the first time in nearly 15 years.

However, with the arrival Exodus, Swizz Beatz argued that the album could be the last word from DMX, musically. “He worked so hard on [Exodus]; I don’t really want to tamper with things unless it can be better than this record. I don’t want to just put things out,” Swizzy told The Breakfast Club after confirming that he had a vault of unreleased songs. While Swizz produced two of DMX’s biggest charting hits (“Ruff Ryders Anthem” and “Party Up”), X’s career is linked to another New York native sound creator. Dame Grease produced the bulk of debut It’s Dark And Hell Is Hot and remained active with DMX for the two decades and change after. The beat-maker for Nas, The LOX, Max B, and Mary J. Blige says that he has 50 unreleased DMX songs and wants them to be curated and released by Def Jam. In a since-removed Instagram clip, the co-producer of “Get At Me Dog” and “Stop Being Greedy” played a snippet of his archives. “Y’all ready?” read the caption. “I’ll give the masters to Def Jam [Records] only … New album coming! The legacy [continues]. The Passion and Soul Recorded at my house with 50 more songs!” This suggestion shows a difference of opinion surrounding DMX’s catalog between two of his closest collaborators.

Swizz Beatz Explains Why He Will Not Release His Vault Of DMX Music

At a time when the estate, family needs, and legacy factor in, it can be challenging to know the right way to handle this music.

On the most recent episode of What’s The Headline (embedded as video and audio below), the Ambrosia For Heads team weighs in on whether Swizz’s plan or Dame Grease’s plan is the right thing to do. Moreover, the discussion explores if there is a way to accommodate both Swizz and Dame’s visions while providing money to DMX’s family. Additionally, the conversation covers the recent sale of Tommy Boy Records’ catalog and what that means for De La Soul’s catalog on streaming platforms. The breakdown includes some history and new information about De La and the label over the years. What’s The Headline also covers new albums by Lloyd Banks, Children Of Zeus, Peter Rosenberg, Sha Money XL, Raheem DeVaughn & Apollo Brown, and others.

DMX Producer Dame Grease Wants Guinness World Record For Most Songs In A Year

Ambrosia For Heads readers can catch regular discussions about the culture on our What’s The Headline podcast. Additionally, What’s The Headline has recent interviews with Pharoahe Monch, Prince Paul & Don Newkirk, Statik Selektah, Lyric Jones, The LOX, MC Eiht, Mobb Deep’s Havoc, Duckwrth, photographer T. Eric Monroe—who detailed photographing the 1995 Source Awards—and Lord Finesse. All episodes of the show are available wherever you stream your pods.

#BonusBeat: Ambrosia For Heads’ official playlist, featuring selections from DMX’s Exodus as well as new music from Lloyd Banks, Eminem, Jack Harlow, Cordae, J. Cole, Sa-Roc, Khrysis, CZARFACE & MF DOOM, Aesop Rock & Homeboy Sandman, Markis Precise, Mick Jenkins, Sa-Roc, Rapsody, Del The Funky Homosapien, Conway The Machine, De La Soul, Evidence, Vic Mensa, Alchemist & Armand Hammer, Pink Siifu & Fly Anakin, Phife Dawg, Redman, JAY-Z, Nipsey Hussle, The Away Team, Spillage Village, Dom Kennedy, Statik Selektah, Smino, Saba, AZ, Masego, J.I.D., Tobe Nwigwe, Royce 5’9, Black Thought, Busta Rhymes, Hit-Boy, Nana, Lyric Jones, Nas, Oddisee, Benny The Butcher, 2 Chainz, REASON, and others.