Editing DMX (section)

== Legacy ==
{{Quote box|width=25em|align=right|"Throughout his nearly three-decade career, DMX came to embody passion, rawness, and pure emotional honesty like few hip-hop artists ever have, barking his way through hits like "[[Ruff Ryders' Anthem]]" and "[[Get at Me Dog]]" one moment, and repenting and philosophizing on tracks like "[[Slippin'|Slippin]]'" the next. His was a decidedly anti-commercial approach, but it worked, and it made him the genre's first new superstar in the wake of the killings of [[Tupac Shakur]] and [[the Notorious B.I.G.]] To this day, few have been able to reach the heights he did—he's the only rapper to have his first five studio albums debut at no. 1, and he was the first living hip-hop artist to have two projects go [[RIAA certification|platinum]] in the same year."<ref>{{Cite web|last=Sayles|first=Justin|date=2021-04-09|title=DMX Leaves a Legacy of Passion, Unparalleled Success, and Pain|url=https://www.theringer.com/2021/4/9/22374949/dmx-obituary-earl-simmons|access-date=2021-04-14|website=The Ringer|language=en|archive-date=April 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414180005/https://www.theringer.com/2021/4/9/22374949/dmx-obituary-earl-simmons|url-status=live}}</ref>
|source = — [[The Ringer (website)|The Ringer]] wrote upon DMX's death }}

Various celebrities paid tribute through outlets like social media including former NFL player [[Torrey Smith]], [[LeBron James]], [[Shaquille O'Neal]], [[Eminem]], [[Gabrielle Union]] (who co-starred with DMX in the 2003 film ''[[Cradle 2 the Grave]]'', along with [[Jet Li]] (who also paid tribute)), Backstreet Boys member [[AJ McLean]],<ref>{{cite tweet |url=https://twitter.com/aj_mclean/status/1380648828307562496 |title=Today, the world mourns the loss of @DMX, a one of a kind rapper & songwriter who touched the hearts of many with his music. |number=1380648828307562496 |user=aj_mclean |author-link=AJ McLean |last=McLean |first=AJ |date=April 9, 2021 |access-date=March 7, 2023}}</ref> [[Wyclef Jean]],<ref>{{cite tweet |url=https://twitter.com/wyclef/status/1380644947154632710?lang=en |title=X. We will never ever forget. |number=1380644947154632710 |user=wyclef |author-link=Wyclef Jean |first=Wyclef |last=Jean |date=April 9, 2021 |access-date=March 7, 2023}}</ref> [[Swizz Beatz]] (who DMX collaborated with including on the hit single, "[[Ruff Ryders' Anthem]]"),<ref>{{Cite web|last=Yoo|first=Noah|title=Swizz Beatz Remembers DMX: "He Lived His Life for Everyone Else"|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/swizz-beatz-remembers-dmx-he-lived-his-life-for-everyone-else/|access-date=2021-04-14|website=Pitchfork|date=April 10, 2021|language=en-us|archive-date=April 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411114319/https://pitchfork.com/news/swizz-beatz-remembers-dmx-he-lived-his-life-for-everyone-else/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Eve (rapper)|Eve]] and [[Missy Elliott]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-04-09|title=DMX tributes pour in from LeBron James and others in the sports world|url=https://www.espn.com/espn/story/_/id/31222736/dmx-tributes-pour-lebron-james-others-sports-world|access-date=2021-04-14|website=ESPN.com|language=en|archive-date=April 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411050451/https://www.espn.com/espn/story/_/id/31222736/dmx-tributes-pour-lebron-james-others-sports-world|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=DMX Dead at 50: Gabrielle Union, Eve, Missy Elliott and More Honor Late Star — 'You Are 1 of 1'|url=https://people.com/music/dmx-dead-age-50-celebrities-pay-tribute-to-rapper/|access-date=2021-04-14|website=PEOPLE.com|language=en|archive-date=April 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210413021054/https://people.com/music/dmx-dead-age-50-celebrities-pay-tribute-to-rapper/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=DMX Dead at 50 a Week After Star Suffered Heart Attack: 'A Warrior Who Fought Till the Very End'|url=https://people.com/music/dmx-dead-age-50-after-suffering-heart-attack/|access-date=2021-04-14|website=PEOPLE.com|language=en|archive-date=April 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210413021615/https://people.com/music/dmx-dead-age-50-after-suffering-heart-attack/|url-status=live}}</ref> Other tributors included [[Kelly Rowland]], [[Chris Brown]], [[Lil Durk]], [[Big Sean]], [[Polo G]], [[Metro Boomin]], [[The Weeknd]], [[T.I.]], [[Jim Jones (rapper)|Jim Jones]], [[Busta Rhymes]], [[Viola Davis]], [[Mary J. Blige]], [[Al Sharpton]], [[Angie Martinez]], [[Ciara]], [[Jennifer Love Hewitt]], and various others.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Daly |first=Rhian |date=2021-04-11 |title=Entertainment world pays tribute to DMX: "We just lost an absolute legend" |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/music-world-pays-tribute-to-dmx-2917583 |access-date=2023-10-16 |website=NME |language=en-GB |archive-date=October 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231023025412/https://www.nme.com/news/music/music-world-pays-tribute-to-dmx-2917583 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Zhan |first=Jennifer |date=2021-04-09 |title=Missy Elliott, LeBron James, and More Celebrities Pay Tribute to DMX |url=https://www.vulture.com/2021/04/celebrities-pay-tribute-to-dmx-after-rappers-death.html |access-date=2023-10-16 |website=Vulture |language=en |archive-date=October 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231023025412/https://www.vulture.com/2021/04/celebrities-pay-tribute-to-dmx-after-rappers-death.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ferme |first=Antonio |date=2021-04-11 |title=Snoop Dogg, Swizz Beatz, Many More Pay Tribute to DMX |url=https://variety.com/2021/music/news/dmx-dead-reactions-1234948055/ |access-date=2023-10-16 |website=Variety |language=en-US |archive-date=October 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231023025412/https://variety.com/2021/music/news/dmx-dead-reactions-1234948055/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Tributes from the world of hip-hop pour in after DMX's passing |url=https://www.thefader.com/2021/04/09/dmx-death-tributes |access-date=2023-10-16 |website=The FADER |language=en |archive-date=October 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231023025412/https://www.thefader.com/2021/04/09/dmx-death-tributes |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-04-09 |title=Gabrielle Union, Missy Elliott, Eve & More Celebrities Pay Tribute To DMX |url=https://www.bustle.com/entertainment/celebrities-pay-tribute-to-dmx-died |access-date=2023-10-16 |website=Bustle |language=en |archive-date=October 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231023025412/https://www.bustle.com/entertainment/celebrities-pay-tribute-to-dmx-died |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=DMX death: Celebrities pay tribute to the late rapper with heartfelt posts |url=https://www.capitalxtra.com/news/dmx-dead-age-50-cardiac-arrest-celebrity-tributes/ |access-date=2023-10-16 |website=Capital XTRA |language=en |archive-date=October 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231023025412/https://www.capitalxtra.com/news/dmx-dead-age-50-cardiac-arrest-celebrity-tributes/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

A "Celebration of Life" took place on April 24, 2021, led by [[Kanye West]]'s [[Sunday Service Choir]]. They performed several songs in honor of DMX. The memorial took place at [[Barclays Center]] in Brooklyn with a limited capacity of 1,900. It was livestreamed on DMX's YouTube and Instagram accounts. On the way to Barclays, DMX's casket was carried by a black monster truck with "Long live DMX" painted on the side. A procession of hundreds of motorcyclists, in homage to the hip-hop collective Ruff Ryders, rode from DMX's birthplace of Yonkers, New York to Barclays Center. In between performances, people gave speeches including Eve, [[Nas]], Swizz Beatz and [[Ruff Ryders Entertainment|Ruff Ryders]] founders Joaquin "Waah" Dean & Darin "Dee" Dean.

DMX's funeral ("DMX's Homegoing Celebration") took place in Brooklyn at the [[Christian Cultural Center]] on April 25, 2021. It was livestreamed on the [[BET Network]] and its YouTube channel. It lasted around five hours to a limited capacity of 2,000 people. DMX's casket was in the color red and featured the word "FAITH" in large printing. It was featured in the front of the room. People who were in attendance included Nas, [[Lil' Kim|Lil Kim]], [[Alicia Keys]] and Swizz Beatz as well as the pastor of the church, Reverend A.R. Bernard. [[Louis Farrakhan]], a leader of the [[Nation of Islam]], joined the service via Zoom. With the exception of Alicia Keys, Nas and Lil Kim, they all gave speeches. DMX's former wife, Tashera Simmons and Ruff Ryders founders Waah & Dee also gave a speech. There was some controversial testimonies like former [[Def Jam Recordings|Def Jam]] chief [[Lyor Cohen]], when his video featured an overhead view of a beach and explained how Earl Simmons was a wonderful man while DMX was a gremlin. Additionally, Def Jam cofounder [[Russell Simmons]] compared his own issues with drug abuse to DMX via video. The homegoing ended with DMX's obituary read on stage and a virtual performance from [[Faith Evans]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Rose|first=Jordan|date=2021-04-25|title=DMX Funeral Features Moving Speeches From His Ex-Wife and Swizz Beatz|url=https://variety.com/2021/music/news/dmx-funeral-swizz-beatz-russell-simmons-1234960096/|access-date=2021-04-29|website=Variety|language=en-US|archive-date=April 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429185328/https://variety.com/2021/music/news/dmx-funeral-swizz-beatz-russell-simmons-1234960096/|url-status=live}}</ref>

At the funeral, New York City community leader and peacemaker Erica Ford presented DMX's family several citations and proclamations from the New York governor's and Senate's office, including a proclamation from the New York state Senate declaring December 18—DMX's birthday—"Earl 'DMX' Simmons Day." Additional citations came from Gov. [[Andrew Cuomo]] and Mayor [[Mike Spano]] of Yonkers (the hometown of DMX). Cuomo had the flag flying over the state [[New York State Capitol|capitol]] on the day of DMX's death presented to his family.<ref>{{Cite web|title=December 18 declared as DMX Day by New York State Senate|url=https://www.thefader.com/2021/04/26/december-18-declared-as-dmx-day-by-new-york-state-senate|access-date=2021-04-29|website=The FADER|language=en|archive-date=April 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429190103/https://www.thefader.com/2021/04/26/december-18-declared-as-dmx-day-by-new-york-state-senate|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Harris|first=Christopher|date=2021-04-25|title=New York State Senate officially declares December 18th Earl "DMX" Simmons Day|url=https://www.revolt.tv/news/2021/4/25/22402736/new-york-senate-declares-earl-dmx-simmons-day|access-date=2021-04-29|website=REVOLT|language=en|archive-date=April 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429190101/https://www.revolt.tv/news/2021/4/25/22402736/new-york-senate-declares-earl-dmx-simmons-day|url-status=live}}</ref>

On June 28, 2021, his music was represented by former Def Jam labelmate [[Method Man]], close friend Swizz Beatz, Busta Rhymes and actor [[Michael K. Williams]] (who himself would pass away five months later) at the [[BET Awards 2021]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Method Man, Busta Rhymes, Swizz Beatz and More Pay Tribute to Late Rapper DMX at 2021 BET Awards |url=https://people.com/music/bet-awards-2021-dmx-tribute-method-man-busta-rhymes-swizz-beatz/ |access-date=2023-10-16 |website=Peoplemag |language=en |archive-date=October 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231023025412/https://people.com/music/bet-awards-2021-dmx-tribute-method-man-busta-rhymes-swizz-beatz/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-06-28 |title=Busta Rhymes, Michael K. Williams and More Stars Pay Tribute to DMX at 2021 BET Awards |url=https://www.eonline.com/news/1282488/busta-rhymes-michael-k-williams-and-more-stars-pay-tribute-to-dmx-at-2021-bet-awards |access-date=2023-10-16 |website=E! Online |archive-date=October 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231023025412/https://www.eonline.com/news/1282488/busta-rhymes-michael-k-williams-and-more-stars-pay-tribute-to-dmx-at-2021-bet-awards |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Impact ===
DMX had a significant impact on hip hop music and is considered a "legend" in the genre.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Curto |first=Justin |date=April 9, 2021 |title=DMX, New York Rap Legend, Dead at 50 |url=https://www.vulture.com/2021/04/dmx-dead-new-york-rapper.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020075201/https://www.vulture.com/2021/04/dmx-dead-new-york-rapper.html |archive-date=October 20, 2021 |access-date=August 10, 2022 |website=[[Vulture.com|Vulture]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Ali |first1=Rasha |last2=Eberhart |first2=Christopher J. |last3=Yasharoff |first3=Hannah |date=April 9, 2021 |title=Rap legend DMX, a pinnacle of the '90s and 2000s hip-hop scene, dies at 50 after heart attack |work=[[USA Today]] |url=https://eu.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2021/04/09/dmx-hip-hop-legend-dies-50-after-heart-attack/7074550002/ |url-status=live |access-date=August 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210413153254/https://eu.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2021/04/09/dmx-hip-hop-legend-dies-50-after-heart-attack/7074550002/ |archive-date=April 13, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Cote |first=Jillian |date=April 22, 2021 |title=Reflecting on DMX's legacy in the rap industry after his death |work=[[The State Press]] |url=https://www.statepress.com/article/2021/04/specho-dmx-death-rapper-legacy |url-status=live |access-date=August 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210731014004/https://www.statepress.com/article/2021/04/specho-dmx-death-rapper-legacy |archive-date=July 31, 2021 |quote=[...] DMX earned his place as a rap legend when he became the only rapper to have his first three albums debut at No. 1.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ketchum |first=William E. III |date=April 9, 2021 |title=Remembering the inimitable intensity of rap legend DMX |url=https://www.mic.com/p/dmx-the-intense-gruff-voiced-rap-legend-has-died-at-50-72137408 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512134849/https://www.mic.com/p/dmx-the-intense-gruff-voiced-rap-legend-has-died-at-50-72137408 |archive-date=May 12, 2021 |access-date=August 10, 2022 |website=[[Mic (media company)|Mic]]}}</ref> He's credited for having "defined 2000s rap"<ref name=":bey">{{Cite news |last1=Bey |first1=Justin |last2=Jones |first2=Zoe Christen |date=April 9, 2021 |title=DMX, electrifying rapper who defined 2000s rap, dies at 50 |work=[[CBS News]] |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/dmx-dies/ |url-status=live |access-date=August 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220206104426/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/dmx-dies/ |archive-date=February 6, 2022}}</ref> and for being "among the most prolific rappers of his era".<ref>{{Cite web |title=DMX: Remembering The Life & Prolific History of Dark Man X |url=https://www.complex.com/tag/dmx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220703052054/https://www.complex.com/tag/dmx |archive-date=July 3, 2022 |access-date=August 10, 2022 |website=[[Complex Networks|Complex]]}}</ref> He broke and set numerous records.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Preezy |title=10 Ways DMX Shifted The Landscape of Hip-Hop |url=https://www.okayplayer.com/music/10-ways-dmx-shifted-the-landscape-of-hip-hop.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518142022/https://www.okayplayer.com/music/10-ways-dmx-shifted-the-landscape-of-hip-hop.html |archive-date=May 18, 2021 |access-date=August 10, 2022 |website=[[Okayplayer]]|date=April 10, 2021 }}</ref> His early work was vastly different from most mainstream hip hop music at the time; while [[Puff Daddy]] and other artists of the [[Bad Boy Records]] label were at the height of popularity, characterized by their "big-budget videos, lavish party-throwing, and dancefloor-ready music", DMX achieved success with a more dark, aggressive, "rugged",<ref name=":1" /> less "marketable" style.

According to an Apple Music radio host: "It was a complete 180...Puff was controlling the clubs; you were watching Bad Boy Records pop bottles, wear [[Rolex]]es, [[Jesus piece (jewelry)|Jesus pieces]], [[Coogi|Coogi sweaters]]. Then here comes this crazy energetic figure from Yonkers with the [[Timbs]] and the bandanas, running around with [[Pit bull|pitbulls]], giving a perspective on the streets that a lot of people weren't familiar with and taking command of what hip-hop didn't look like." DMX's commercially successful violent lyricism helped popularize the [[horrorcore]] genre.<ref name=":hard">{{Cite news |last=Chow |first=Andrew R. |date=April 9, 2021 |title=How DMX's It's Dark and Hell Is Hot Changed the Course of Hip-Hop Forever |work=[[Time Magazine]] |url=https://time.com/5952926/dmx-legacy-hip-hop/ |url-status=live |access-date=August 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220805012735/https://time.com/5952926/dmx-legacy-hip-hop/ |archive-date=August 5, 2022}}</ref>