Both were iconic. However, Pac and X were more alike.
Both had that raw, energetic, in your face type of vibe
Both had experience in cinema movie roles
Pac had more versatility because he songs talked about mother's love (Dear Mama), appreciation of women, poverty, conscious of being black in America (Keep Your Head Up) teenage pregnancy (Brenda Got a Baby)
However, X had one of the greatest songs dealing coping with depression, addiction and stress (Slippin), the GOAT pumped up street anthem (Ruff Ryders Anthem), songs for the bytches (What These bytches Want), classic party anthem (Up in Here), spiritual storytelling (especially his first two), gospel records (Lord Give Me a Sign)
California Love can go neck to neck with Ruff Ryders Anthem. Both songs were deeply embedded in pop culture.
DMX isn't a lyricist? X's in the Early 90's before X changed in 94' X had the Spellbound style
^^ You can hear the BDK influence
DMX couldn't make songs about his mom because his mom wasn't in his life. He did dedicate a song to his late grandma
The interesting thing is X was supposed to sign to Death Row. Irv and Ruff Ryders went to Cali