On the two year anniversary of DMX’s passing, the Ruff Ryders paid tribute to the late rapper, whose real name was Earl Simmons.
In 2021, DMX passed away at the age of 50 due to a heart attack brought on by a drug overdose. DMX was a prominent figure in the late 90s and early 2000s, renowned for his lyricism, aggressive style, and gravelly tone, which resonated with millions of fans. Many consider him to be one of the greatest icons in the history of New York hip-hop.
The Hip-Hop Wolf shared an Instagram video of a small group of fans and the Ruff Ryders gathered at DMX’s gravesite, paying tribute to his legacy. One of the speakers at the memorial mentioned that DMX’s legacy still lives on, stating that “he never died to us, because he always lived to us.” The speaker also expressed gratitude for the memories DMX left behind, saying, “We love you as we know we do, and we appreciate what you left us with.” Attendees were seen performing the “X” hand sign in front of the grave, while fans poured out liquor in front of the headstone.
DMX began his career as a featured artist, appearing on songs such as Mase’s “Take What’s Yours” and The Lox’s classic “Money Power and Respect.” These features created significant buzz for the then-unsigned rapper, paving the way for his transition to a headliner. His debut album, It’s Dark and Hell is Hot, is widely considered to be one of the greatest debut albums of all time, debuting at number one on the Hot 200 and going four times platinum.
Throughout his career, DMX was vocal about his affiliation with the Ruff Ryders, a loosely connected group of New York rappers and producers. With his dynamic personality and immense popularity, he became the de facto leader of the group as time went on. DMX’s death sent shockwaves throughout the world of hip-hop. Despite being open about his struggles with drugs and mental health issues, his passing caught everyone off guard. Fans and colleagues have been sharing their memories of one of the greatest rappers of all time in the days since his passing.
