DMX – Flesh Of My Flesh Blood Of My Blood 1998    
Def Jam Recordings Group Inc. – 314 538 640-1
Ruff Ryders – 314 538 640-1
**OG FIRST PRESS**
 

Visually Graded:
Cover: Strong VG (bottom 2.5 inch seam split, light scuffs on edge opening)
Inner Sleeve: VG
Record: VG+ (minor marking on vinyl label 1 side B)
Def Jam Recordings Group Inc. – 314 538 640-1
Ruff Ryders – 314 538 640-1
We conservatively grade our records.

DMX – Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood (1998) | OG US First Press | Def Jam / Ruff Ryders | 314 538 640-1

Collector Summary

Original 1998 US first press of DMX’s iconic sophomore album — released the same year as his debut and cementing him as one of the biggest forces in late-90s hip-hop. True OG pressings on Def Jam / Ruff Ryders (catalog 314 538 640-1) are highly collectible, especially because vinyl runs for late-90s rap albums were extremely limited compared to CD and cassette production.

A must-have for serious hip-hop collectors and anyone building a complete Ruff Ryders/Def Jam archive.

Key Features

• 1998 Original US First Press

• Def Jam Recordings / Ruff Ryders

• Catalog #: 314 538 640-1

• Scarce late-90s hip-hop pressing — low production numbers

• One of DMX’s most important albums, released at the height of his career

• Strong demand among collectors of 90s rap originals

Description

DMX’s Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood arrived in 1998 and instantly became a defining release of hardcore New York rap. Following his explosive debut earlier that same year, this album showcased DMX’s unmatched intensity, emotional rawness, and gritty Ruff Ryders production.

Because vinyl production was limited in the late 90s — with labels heavily prioritizing CDs — true OG first presses like this are significantly rarer than most modern collectors realize. The Def Jam / Ruff Ryders 314 538 640-1 issue is the version collectors seek for authenticity, original mastering, and era-correct packaging.

With 90s hip-hop vinyl demand at an all-time high, original pressings of DMX’s catalog have become essential pieces for serious collectors, DJs, and fans of the golden hardcore era.

Pressing Identifiers (Authentic 1998 OG US Press)

• 314 538 640-1 catalog number (Def Jam / Ruff Ryders)

• 1998 Def Jam Recordings Group Inc. credit lines

• 90s Def Jam/Ruff Ryders label layout & typography

• Thick late-90s jacket stock, pre-reissue production

• No modern barcodes or universal catalog updates

• Vinyl weight and print characteristics consistent with original pressings

Great For

• 90s hip-hop collectors

• Ruff Ryders / Def Jam enthusiasts

• Fans of hardcore NYC rap

• Collectors building an OG hip-hop vinyl archive

• Anyone seeking authentic 90s-era mastering

Searching for OG 90s hip-hop first presses? We got you.

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Record grading:

• Mint (M): Absolutely perfect in every way, likely never played, and still sealed.

• Near Mint (NM or M-): Nearly perfect. The record shows no obvious signs of wear and looks as if it was just opened. No visible marks or scratches.

• Very Good Plus (VG+): Shows slight signs of use, such as light scuffs or very minor scratches, but plays without any major deterioration in sound quality.

• Very Good (VG): Noticeable wear with some surface noise, light scratches, or groove wear, but still plays through without skipping.

• Good/Good Plus (G/G+): The record plays but with significant surface noise, scratches, and wear. The cover may have visible damage or splits.

• Fair/Poor (F/P): The record may be damaged and is barely playable. Typically used only for highly collectible records.

Cover grading: 

• Mint (M): The cover is flawless, with no signs of wear. Often still sealed with no corner dings, creases, or ring wear.

• Near Mint (NM or M-): The cover looks almost new, with only the slightest signs of handling. There may be very minimal wear, but no significant flaws like writing, splits, or tears.

• Very Good Plus (VG+): The cover shows light wear, such as minor scuffing, small corner creases, or slight ring wear. No major damage, but a well-cared-for album with minor imperfections.

• Very Good (VG): Moderate wear is visible, including ring wear, light edge or corner damage, small seam splits, or slight discoloration. Still presentable but clearly used.

• Good/Good Plus (G/G+): The cover shows significant wear, such as noticeable ring wear, seam splits, heavy creasing, or writing. It may still hold together but looks heavily worn.

• Fair/Poor (F/P): The cover is heavily damaged, with major seam splits, tears, extensive writing, water damage, or severe ring wear. It may barely hold together or be incomplete.