Family members, friends and colleagues gave a final greeting to Earl Simmons, known by his stage name DMX, on Saturday. The American rapper and actor, who died of a heart attack after an overdose on April 9 at the age of 50, was commemorated at a ceremony at the Barclays Center in New York.
Due to the corona measures, only friends and family were allowed to attend the service. The ceremony could be followed online for fans.
In addition, hundreds of people had gathered in the street to applaud and wave at the red coffin that was brought to the service in the open back of a monster truck. Prior to the service, the New York rapper’s casket made a final tour of his Brooklyn borough.
The rapper’s fifteen children, their mothers and his fiancée Desiree Lindstrom, among others, sat in the room. Several children gave a short speech and read poems.
Several friends of mine were also present at the ceremony and honored DMX. Artists Eve, Swizz Beatz and Nas were present. Kanye West opened the memorial service along with his Sunday Service Choir.
Known for songs like Party Up (Up in Here) and X Gon ‘Give It to Ya and movies like Romeo Must Die and Exit Wounds , DMX has struggled with multiple addictions for years. He will be buried in New York on Sunday.
