Synopsis

DMX performs amid stark images of Yonkers streets and abandoned urban spaces while a young boy moves through a troubled childhood that mirrors the rapper's own story. The narrative follows the child through loneliness, poverty, family instability, and the pressures surrounding him, with a dog becoming a source of companionship. Intercut with close-ups and reflective performance shots, the video turns "Slippin'" into a personal look back at the experiences that shaped DMX and the struggle to rise above them.

Factoids & Trivia

• "Slippin'" was released as the first single from DMX's second album, *Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood*, in late 1998. The music video is commonly dated to 1999.

• The video's childhood storyline reflects the autobiographical tone of the song and presents the boy's experiences as a visual counterpart to DMX's memories of growing up.

• DMX reportedly worked on the song for six months to a year because he wanted it to affect people dealing with similar problems.

• The song became especially significant in 2018, when DMX's attorneys presented the video to Judge Jed S. Rakoff during his tax-evasion sentencing. The judge ultimately sentenced him to one year in prison rather than the five years requested by prosecutors.

• The track samples Grover Washington Jr.'s "Moonstreams" and includes background vocals from Tamyra Gray, who later became known through *American Idol*.