Fellow musicians, movie stars, and fans across the globe have been offering tributes to honor the life and work of hip-hop artist DMX, since his death on Friday, April 9.
The iconic rapper—known for his distinctive raspy voice and signature delivery, often punctuated by “What!”, barks and growls—died after suffering “catastrophic cardiac arrest,” according to a statement from the hospital in White Plains, New York, where he died.
Tributes began pouring in from stars like Missy Elliot, who tweeted, “Even though you had battles you TOUCHED so many through your MUSIC and when you would PRAY so many people FELT THAT! This is heavy for the HipHop family but your LEGACY LIVES ON & your SPIRIT. Continued Prayers for X family & friends for STRENGTH/HEALING.”
Legendary singer Patti Labelle expressed sadness and shared her memory of DMX on Twitter, “I’m so saddened by the loss of a beautiful soul, DMX! I remember when we recorded together, he and his wife had a room full of roses and a beautiful necklace waiting for me. And he was always so sweet! Sending my love and prayers to all of his family and loved ones!”
Snoop Dogg, in an interview on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, recounted the first time he met DMX and how he influenced one of the late rapper’s popular tracks. “He was like, ‘When you first met me, I was, like, away from him. And he was saying, ‘What’s happening? What’s up?’ And I was like, ‘Get at me, dog!’ ” Snoop continued, “And he was like, ‘I took that and I made that into my song, “Get at Me Dog” cause the way you got at me,’ and said that, I was like, ‘That’s slick.’ “
Snoop told Fallon, “He always prayed for everybody. So now we can finally say he got his angel wings and he’s off to a better place.”
Last year, DMX faced off against Snoop Dogg in a Verzuz battle, which drew more than 500,000 viewers.
Acclaimed music and acting career
DMX built a multi-platinum career as one of rap’s stars in the 1990s and early 2000s, but he also struggled with drug addiction and legal problems that repeatedly put him behind bars.
He made a splash in rap music in 1998 with his first studio album, It’s Dark and Hell is Hot, which debuted No. 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart. The multiplatinum-selling album was anchored by several hits including “Ruff Ryders’ Anthem,” “Get At Me Dog,” “Stop Being Greedy” and “How It’s Goin’ Down.”
DMX followed up with four straight chart-topping albums including … And Then There Was X, Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood, The Great Depression and Grand Champ. He released seven albums, earned three Grammy nominations and was named favorite rap/hip-hop artist at the 2000 American Music Awards.
Along with his musical career, DMX paved his way as an actor. He starred in the 1998 film Belly and appeared in 2000′s Romeo Must Die with Jet Li and Aaliyah. DMX and Aaliyah teamed up for “Come Back in One Piece” on the film’s soundtrack.
The rapper would later open Aaliyah’s tribute music video, “Miss You,” alongside her other friends and collaborators, including Missy Elliott, Lil’ Kim and Queen Latifah, after Aaliyah’s 2001 death in a plane crash at age 22.
The rapper also starred in 2001′s Exit Wounds with Steven Seagal and 2003′s Cradle 2 the Grave with Li. Following news of his death, Li tweeted, “Rest In Peace DMX, a true legend. It was truly my honor to work and get to know you.” He added a heart emoji.
Survivors include his 15 children and his mother.
AP contributed to this article.
