DMX is a hip-hop legend. The game simply just won’t be the same without him.
The legend died at 50 years old on Friday after being taken to the hospital as a result of a heart attack from an apparent drug overdose, per the Associated Press.
For so many people, X was a beacon of hope. He was an inspirational figure — an imperfect picture of resilience. He spent his entire life battling with addiction and personal demons that he never quite found a way to shake, as The Undefeated’s Justin Tinsley points out here ever so eloquently.
Still, as Tinsley writes, throughout those battles, he persevered and lived a life that impacted so many people in such positive ways.
So many of those people took to Twitter to share some of those stories and some of their favorite moments in seeing him. Everyone from his peers to his fans paid their respects.
Some had amazing stories to tell.
DMX is the reason I forgave my father after he passed for his years of addiction.
We met in 2017 after I heard him from my room in the hallway of my hotel. It was all divine intervention. I ran to the hallway & met him. We spoke for 15 mins. (1/4) pic.twitter.com/kXTGP1Kbzj
— She. (@sheeeluhhh) April 9, 2021
I remember being super young & my dad would play "Slippin" by DMX over & over again in the whip. Over 20 years ago now but I remember it like it was yesterday.
Rest in Peace to the legend. @DMX
— Devin Battle 🗯 (@Its_Wade) April 9, 2021
In 2001 I spent 3 months with DMX filming “Exit Wounds” My trailer was between X’s & Steven Seagal’s. Everyday something crazy/funny happened whether it was X bringing dogs he adopted on the way to the set or his beloved RC cars which he played with constantly. He was a sweet man https://t.co/iliwltkTKy
— Tom Arnold (@TomArnold) April 9, 2021
Others shared their favorite moments.
My personal favorite DMX moment is watching him fanboy out when meeting Rakim. Look at this energy. pic.twitter.com/yQjC66hCJK
— Lanceadelphia (@LanceAdelphia) April 9, 2021
This DMX vs Jay-Z freestyle battle still one of the most legendary moments in hip hop
RIP DMX pic.twitter.com/JOm9CPUGp0
— Josiah Johnson (@KingJosiah54) April 9, 2021
Bringing this back to the TL… Rest in peace DMX 🙏🏼🙏🏼
Earl Simmons was one of a kind!! #RIPDMX pic.twitter.com/30dsU8vLby
— 🇳🇬 Happiness 🇳🇬 (@DDonWhytee) April 9, 2021
I’ll never forget that time when DMX had Snoop twerking on Verzuz #RIPDMX pic.twitter.com/ln1Req8MRe
— F A PASS, ISO THAT BIH (@isogangbkn) April 9, 2021
nobody ever existed in rap the way that DMX did
nobody ever will
— Shea Serrano (@SheaSerrano) April 9, 2021
Some of his peers reflected on the impact that he had on them and on the music world at large.
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
More than anything, though, everyone held on to something he said from one of the last interviews he had that we saw.
“If I was to drop dead right now, my last thought would be: I’ve lived a good life.”
“If I was to drop dead right now, my last thought would be: I’ve lived a good life.” – DMX, February 2021 pic.twitter.com/aB3hqXbbHx
— love yourself. (@MichellCClark) April 9, 2021
He lived a great one. Rest in peace, DMX.
