The hip-hop community is mourning the loss of DMX.
The rap icon passed away on Friday, a week after suffering a heart attack. He was 50 years old. In the wake of his death, X’s fans and friends have taken to social media to pay their respects to the Yonkers-bred rapper, born Earl Simmons.
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One of his closest friends and fellow Ruff Ryder, Swizz Beatz, was overcome with emotion as he honored the man who “changed [his] life.”
“I’m truly beyond devastated !!!!!! But I’m so happy my brother is no longer in pain,” said Swizz. “I watched him take everyone’s pain and make it his own I send my love and support to his entire family.”
He also vowed to carry on his legacy. “My brother we will never let them forget your name and you will live forever F.A.M.E Long live King DMX THE GREAT AKAmy brother 4 Life Earl Simmons Damn Dog.”
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Additionally, Swizz shared a black-and-white video of him and DMX on a private plate from 2016 as X recites the poignant lyrics to Irene Cara’s “Fame”: “I’m gonna make it to heaven / Light up the sky like a flame / I’m gonna live forever / Baby, remember my name.”
The longtime collaborators had been working on X’s new album prior to his passing. “It’s gonna be a good year for him, God willing,” Swizz told “The Breakfast Club” in 2019. “I just want it to happen so he can go to where he been supposed to have went.”
Verzuz co-founder Timbaland also paid his respects while acknowledging the late Aaliyah. “Rest easy king Hug my Babegirl Aaliyah when you see her !!!!” tweeted Tim.
Rest easy king Hug my Babegirl Aaliyah when you see her !!!! pic.twitter.com/6TKo3QepXA
— Timbaland (@Timbaland) April 9, 2021
Back in July, X returned to the spotlight when Swizz and Timbaland organized a Verzuz event between him and Snoop Dogg. Over half-a-million viewers tuned in to witness history as the hip-hop legends revisited their classic records.
Another one of DMX’s fellow Ruff Ryders, Eve, also paid tribute to her “Ryde or Die” collaborator.
“X I know that you are in the place of peace you deserve,” wrote the First Lady of Ruff Ryders. “I will be forever grateful to have known you. You were one of the most special people I have ever met. Full of Humour, talent, wisdom and love and most of all loyalty. This world has lost a REAL ONE but the heavens have gained an ANGEL. May you Rest.”
(@therealeve)Others including Missy Elliott, Busta Rhymes, and Meek Mill shared kind words, while X’s manager Steve Rifkind promised to keep X’s legacy alive. “For the last 3 years every time we met this was the smile I saw the team is going to finish what we started and your legacy will never go away that’s my word. Rest Easy X,” he wrote.
