By Sam Jemielity
Entourage in tow, DMX walks into Playboy's Chicago studio with a cigarette tucked behind the ear, sippin' a Heineken. Hip-hop's darkest dog (a.k.a. Dark Man X, a.k.a. Earl Simmons) is all smiles when he spots gorgeous Playboy Special Editions model Heather McQuaid, who will be modeling -- naked -- for him in a matter of moments. "Work is getting harder every day," jokes X in his trademark growl. "Does this job come with benefits? Dental? If it does, I'll take it!"
He's talking, of course, about the job of Playboy photographer. Playboy.com invited the rapper/actor (whose latest album, Grand Champ, hits stores this September) to be our eighth celebrity photographer. Without hesitation, X cleared his frenetic work schedule, grabbed the digital camera, and got down to business like a seasoned pro.
Of course, he got a lot of help from another pro, Heather, whose knockout natural charms have graced many of Playboy's Special Editions. "You pose me any way you want me," purrs Heather, her barely there beige bikini leaving little to the imagination. "Yeah, I like this," X says, the camera popping away. "I like this!"
