iHeartPodcasts has announced a partnership with Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson’s G-Unit Audio and podcast studio Narratively to produce a new narrative podcast series, “Look Thru My Eyes: Becoming DMX.” The show will explore the early life and career of the late rapper DMX, whose real name was Earl Simmons. The series is scheduled for release later this year on the iHeartRadio app and other podcast platforms.
The series will be hosted by Jadakiss, a hip-hop artist from Yonkers, New York. It will feature personal accounts from DMX’s family members, friends, collaborators, and cultural figures to provide insight into his upbringing and rise in the music industry. Executive producers include Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Noah Rosenberg, Bruce Miller, Justin Baez, and Paul Anderson.
Jackson said: “DMX’s story is bigger than the music — it’s about survival, faith, pain, and purpose. ‘Look Thru My Eyes: Becoming DMX’ gives people a chance to understand where X came from, before the fame, through the voices of the people who were really there. This is the story that shaped the legend.”
Miller commented: “DMX’s story is inseparable from Yonkers. And his legacy is the lifeblood of hip hop.”
Rosenberg added: “This is a dream project for all of us. Narratively’s commitment has always been about celebrating untold human stories, and the opportunity to uncover the origin story of an icon like DMX — alongside partners as iconic as 50, Jadakiss, and iHeart — is one we’re incredibly proud to be a part of.”
Production companies involved in making the podcast include Narratively (the lead creative partner), G-Unit Audio, Blue Light Media, 1982 Media and Workhouse Media. Drew Nelles will serve as showrunner for the project.
Will Pearson, President of iHeartPodcasts stated: “We’re proud to partner with G-Unit Audio and Narratively on this incredible project exploring the life of a hip-hop icon. Bringing this new series to the iHeart platform allows us to use our massive scale and reach to share DMX’s story with fans around the world, honoring his cultural impact on the music industry.”
Paul Anderson from Workhouse Media said: “We are thrilled to partner with 50 Cent and Narratively in telling the DMX story. Put on your seatbelt.” Anderson negotiated the deal on behalf of Jackson and Narratively along with IAG.
The first season will focus on Simmons’ early years before he became famous; additional seasons may tell similar stories about other artists.
Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson leads G-Unit Film & Television Inc., which produces television content such as “Power” for Starz as well as docuseries like “Sean Combs: The Reckoning” for Netflix. His company also develops projects for networks including ABC, BET+, Hulu and Peacock.
Narratively was founded by former New York Times journalists and specializes in nonfiction storytelling across podcasts and other media formats. Workhouse Media manages audio-focused talent across radio and digital platforms.
