He Rages Against the Machine

Maintaining the persona established on his first album, “It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot” (which was released as recently as May and is still a fixture in the Top 40 of the album chart), the Yonkers, N.Y., rapper barks and growls while delivering his angst-filled narratives. DMX’s stop-and-go delivery and gravelly voice make him distinctive, and his violent, warped tales of criminal behavior and pacts with the devil have made him the most popular thug rapper of the moment.

“Flesh of My Flesh Blood of My Blood,” which is due in stores Tuesday, continues where his debut left off. Although he’s a capable rhyme writer, DMX’s appeal lies in the ominous atmosphere his music creates. DMX injects rage, pain and hate into his work with an authenticity that may be too realistic for some to stomach. The spare, vibrant beats backing DMX add to his menacing aura.

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