Following rapper DMX’s death on Friday morning, fellow musicians, fans and industry professionals took to social media to remember his storied career.
Def Jam Recordings, who last collaborated with DMX on his album “Grand Champ” in 2003, released a statement honoring the late rapper.
“Def Jam Recordings and the extended Def Jam family of artists, executives and employees are deeply and profoundly saddened by the loss of our brother Earl ‘DMX’ Simmons,” the record label said. “DMX was a brilliant artist and an inspiration to millions around the world. His message of triumph over struggle, his search for the light out of darkness, his pursuit of truth and grace brought us closer to our own humanity. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and all those who loved him and were touched by him. DMX was nothing less than a giant. His legend will live on forever.”
Lyor Cohen, the global head of music for YouTube and the former head of Def Jam, said the rapper was “a wonderful, caring father and a sensitive, thoughtful man.”
“Unfortunately, Dark Man X took over and ran amok, tormented and struggling to find the light,” Cohen said. “DMX gave me the inspiration to keep going at Def Jam when rap became soft and silly.”
Missy Elliott discussed DMX’s legacy Friday morning and 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.”
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🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/ZI9NI6Nslg
— Missy Elliott (@MissyElliott) April 9, 2021
Viola Davis, who recently portrayed blues singer Ma Rainey in “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” tweeted, “RIP DMX. I pray for the comfort of your children and loved ones.”
RIP DMX. I pray for the comfort of your children and loved ones. 🙏🏿💛 pic.twitter.com/WC5LsaL9j8
— Viola Davis (@violadavis) April 9, 2021
Chance the Rapper wrote on Twitter, “Rest in Heaven DMX.”
Rest in Heaven DMX
— Chance The Rapper (@chancetherapper) April 9, 2021
Read more reactions below.
— Vince Staples (@vincestaples) April 9, 2021
dmx and so many others should be here man. i will never forgive this country for what they did to us
— 🌱 (@noname) April 9, 2021
REST IN PARADISE DMX TONIGHT WE CELEBRATE THE LIFE YOU LEAD EVERYS DECEMBER 18TH D DAY 🫀
— TYRON (@slowthai) April 9, 2021
your impact and influence will live on forever 🕊 sleep well DMX.
— Ella Mai (@ellamai) April 9, 2021
RIP DMX 🕯
— KAYTRA (@KAYTRANADA) April 9, 2021
Rest up DMX 🦅
— THE VOICE (@lildurk) April 9, 2021
RIP DMX pic.twitter.com/7qipt7CK52
— Jordan Daley (@JDaIey) April 9, 2021
RIP DMX 🙏🏽🎶😔 #RIPDMX pic.twitter.com/sXeq62DzFm
— El Dante (@dantespinetta) April 9, 2021
Rest in peace DMX 😢😢😢😢 pic.twitter.com/a2YWLGsHDm
— Matthew A. Cherry (@MatthewACherry) April 9, 2021