Missy Elliott, Eve, Ludacris, T.I., Viola Davis, and Chance the Rapper are among the celebrities leading the tributes to rap legend DMX who passed away at age 50 on Friday, April 9.
DMX, real name Earl Simmons, died one week after he was hospitalized following a heart attack.
Missy Elliott was among the first to take to Twitter to send her condolences to his loved ones.
“Even through you had battles you TOUCHED so many through your MUSIC and when you would PRAY so many people FELT THAT!,” she wrote. “This is heavy for the HipHop family but your LEGACY LIVES ON & SPIRIT. Continued Prayers for X family & friends for STRENGTH/HEALING (sic)”.
Actress Viola Davis tweeted: “RIP DMX. I pray for the comfort of your children and loved ones [praying hands emoji].”
Rapper Ludacris posted on Instagram. “The Impact That this Man made on The Culture is Unprecedented. I Have So Many Great Stories Of Hanging With X that I will truly Cherish for the Rest Of my Life. One of the Most Genuine & Passionate Human Beings I’ve ever had the pleasure of Sharing Memorable Time & Energy With. Rest In Peace Soldier (sic)”.
Chance The Rapper tweeted simply, “Rest in Heaven DMX.”
While disgraced rapper Tip “T.I.” Harris tweeted: “Rest In Peace to a cultural icon. There are no words that can mend the loss the hip-hop community felt today,” and Ice-T shared, “Very Very Very few will EVER do it like you homie…. Man! This sucks… Tooooo Fn (f**king) young to go. Rest easy X.”
DMX’s former Ruff Ryders Entertainment labelmate and former rapper Eve also paid her respects on Twitter.
“#mydog I know that you are in the place of peace you deserve. I will be forever grateful to have known you. You were one of the most special people I have ever met. Full of Humor, talent, wisdom and love and most of all loyalty. This world has lost a REAL ONE but the heavens have gained an ANGEL. May you Rest”.
Original Ruff Ryders artist Swizz Beatz (left) has yet to issue a statement, but he shared a captionless image of his late pal on his Instagram Story timeline on Friday.
Officials at DMX’s previous label, Def Jam Recordings, also issued a statement, expressing their heartache at his untimely death.
“DMX was a brilliant artist and an inspiration to millions around the world,” it read. “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.”
Other tributes were written by Questlove, M.I.A., Tom Morello, Black Eyed Peas’ apl.de.ap, singer Kehlani, and Jada Pinkett Smith, as well as sports stars LeBron James and Adrian Peterson, and wrestling legend Iron Sheik.
