On the surface, the relationship between rapper DMX (born Earl Simmons) and singer-actress Aaliyah appeared to be purely professional: they collaborated on the song “Come Back in One Piece” and co-starred in the film Romeo Must Die.

Yet behind the scenes, a much more charged dynamic loomed—one that his then-wife Tashera Simmons later described in candid terms as the moment when Aaliyah “stole” DMX’s focus, affection, and peace of mind. This article takes a deeper look at the story through Tashera’s account, DMX’s reflections, and what it may illustrate about fame, loyalty, and blurred boundaries in the entertainment world.

DMX, Tashera & Aaliyah

DMX married Tashera Simmons in 1999 (some sources say 1998) when his career was ascending rapidly—his first five studio albums all debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200. Meanwhile, Aaliyah had become a major R&B/pop icon by the late 1990s, known for her smooth vocals, distinctive style, and acting roles. The pair crossed paths professionally when DMX was cast in Romeo Must Die, which also featured Aaliyah. DMX recalled that Aaliyah and the film’s producer personally came to his dressing room to ask if he wanted to be a part of the movie.

Their on-screen chemistry was remarked upon by critics: for their music video of “Come Back in One Piece” the synergy between their contrasting styles (gritty East-Coast rap and sleek R&B/pop) was commented on

The Incident: The Music Video Set That Sparked A Rift

The turning point, according to Tashera Simmons, came on the set of the “Come Back in One Piece” video. In the two-part special DMX: Uncensored on TV One, both DMX and Tashera recounted what happened. Tashera described how she accompanied DMX (and their dog) to the video shoot. She remembers a moment when DMX was sitting on a bench and Aaliyah sat between his legs. DMX said:

And I was sitting on the top of the bench and [Aaliyah’s] sitting in between my legs. … So in between takes I was like warming her arms up.” Tashera responded:Sometimes you’re just trying to warm a friend up but it was just a little bit too cozy … We had this connection that was just insane … I had that dog and I really just wanted to let it go, to be honest with you.”
She admits she wanted to confront both DMX and Aaliyah:

I felt like ripping up the whole set that day… But I had to keep it together because I had to be the wife and woman of class. But I wanted to beat the living hell out of him that day I’ll be honest with you. And Aaliyah… Excuse me… I’m like, she knows better. She know he got a wife.”

From DMX’s perspective, he recognised Tashera’s glare, but said he carried on. As he phrased it:

… I just glimpsed and I just said, ‘You know what, I’ll deal with that later. Come on girl.’”

What Does “Stole” Really Mean?

When Tashera uses the term “stole” to describe Aaliyah’s impact, it may be interpreted in multiple ways:

Emotional Displacement: Tashera felt that Aaliyah’s intimacy (whether real or perceived) disrupted the marital equilibrium. The behind-the-scenes physical closeness between DMX and Aaliyah made her feel sidelined and insecure.

Focus Shift: DMX’s relationship with Aaliyah — even if strictly professional — seemed to take more of his attention, energy, or emotional investment. The story of naming his daughter after Aaliyah (see below) suggests how significant she was to him.

 
Public Perception / Jealousy: Given their star statuses, any perceived impropriety could feed rumours, damage brand image, or undermine trust in the marriage. Tashera clearly held Aaliyah partially responsible for allowing the “because he’s mine” boundary to be crossed.

Thus “stealing” is less about a literal affair (there’s no credible proof of one) and more about a perceived breach of marital territory, emotional availability, or priority.

The Relationship Clarified: Did DMX and Aaliyah Date?

Multiple reliable sources clarify that while DMX and Aaliyah were very close collaborators and friends, they never officially confirmed a romantic or physical relationship.

Capital Xtra reports a romantic linkage but qualifies that the pair never confirmed they dated.

NickiSwift describes their bond as deep (“love” used in some commentary) but not formally declared as a romance.

The video “Come Back in One Piece” captured strong chemistry, and on Aaliyah’s death DMX named his daughter after her and publicly paid tribute.

So while jealousy from Tashera was very real—and she believed Aaliyah crossed a line—the evidence does not support claims of proven betrayal or affair.

The Aftermath and Legacy

For Tashera, the incident left a lasting mark. Although she and DMX remained married for several years after the video shoot, they eventually divorced in 2014. For DMX, the relationship with Aaliyah remained important. He often referred to her as an “angel” and said she made him comfortable.
In a 2011 interview, he stated: “Half these chicks that are doing it right now wouldn’t be doing it… Aaliyah would be on top.”

In 2021 his daughter was named Aaliyah, and he noted: “That’s how special she was to me.”

Aaliyah’s tragic death in August 2001 further mythologised her connection with DMX. DMX’s tribute:

Dearest, sweet Aaliyah. I have trouble accepting the fact that you’re gone. … I love you and miss you.”

Tashera’s jealousy and pain highlight the human cost of fame-adjacent relationships: even where boundaries aren’t officially crossed, the perceptions and emotions can wound deeply.

Broader Context: Fame, Boundaries & Power Dynamics

This story isn’t unique to DMX and Aaliyah—rather it reflects recurring themes in entertainment:

Blurred Professional / Personal Lines: Artists collaborating closely (on film sets, video shoots) often create intimate spaces, even if “officially” professional. In such spaces, emotional or physical closeness can be misinterpreted or generate jealousy.

Wife/Partner Vulnerability: Tashera’s narrative shows how spouses of high-profile artists may feel secondary, especially when their partner’s star-status relationships invite special attention, adoration, or bonding.

Gendered Narratives: The way the story is told often places the woman (Aaliyah) as the “intruder” or “temptress” despite no proof of wrongdoing. Tashera herself remarks on the power of Aaliyah’s presence (“She had this connection … it was just insane”). The dynamics of blame and emotion often fall unevenly.

Legacy and Memory: The emotional legacy of Aaliyah’s relationship with DMX persists. Even decades after her death, the chemistry between them is still discussed—underscoring how popular culture mythologises certain pairings.

Conclusion

To summarise: did Aaliyah “steal” DMX from his wife? Strictly speaking, no verifiable affair or official love-triangle is documented. But from Tashera Simmons’ vantage point, yes—she felt that the closeness between DMX and Aaliyah crossed boundaries, intruded upon her marriage, and threatened her place in her husband’s life.This story is less about scandal and more about the emotional fallout when professional closeness, adoration, and intimacy expand into zones where personal loyalty and public partnership meet. For DMX, Aaliyah remained a special collaborator and friend; for Tashera, that same connection felt like a betrayal of trust.