DMX’s posthumous album Exodus was released Friday featuring Alicia Keys, JAY-Z, Bono, and more.
One guest who was noticeably absent was Pop Smoke, leaving fans to wonder what happened to his previously-announced feature.
During an interview with the “Drink Champs” podcast earlier this year, X teased the collaboration with the late Brooklyn rapper, who was initially set to appear on “Money Money Money.” However, Pop’s verse didn’t end up on the album for unknown reasons.
Now Swizz reveals that it was cut because Pop’s team gave his verse to someone else. “They used the verse already. I know X wouldn’t want an old verse,” Swizz said during an album listening for media.
“We fought for it,” added Swizz, who said the verse was pulled “out of nowhere.” “It was two verses and both of them was used. We went to get another verse and it was used.”
So Swizz decided to reach out to Moneybagg Yo to jump on “Money Money Money.” “I just put Moneybagg on the song,” he said. “Not that they the same energy, but they the same demographic. X wanted to touch that part too.”
It all worked out in the end, according to Swizz. “I’m not mad at it. I like Moneybagg verse better anyway.”
In addition to Moneybagg, Exodus features all-star collaborations with JAY-Z, Nas, Usher, Lil Wayne, and Snoop Dogg. And it may not be the final album from DMX. “We have the material,” said Swizz. “This project definitely needs a part two.”
