Celebs took to social media to react to the death of DMX, who passed on Friday (April 9th) at age 50 after suffering a heart attack last week. X's longtime friend and producer Swizz Beatz released a video about the rap icon on his Instagram page, saying, “Since the day that I met him, he lived his life for everyone else. I never seen him live his life for hisself. You ain’t never seen DMX next to a Lamborghini; you ain’t never seen my brother with a Rolls Royce. You ain’t never seen him iced out in jewelry. He did not care about any of that. DMX was the biggest. And let me tell you why he was the biggest. He was the biggest because he prayed for everybody else, more than he did for himself. He’d get on that stage and pray with 15,000 people, knowing that he needed more prayers than everybody that he was praying for. … My brother would take care of everybody before he would take care of himself.”
Russell Simmons also spoke on losing DMX, saying that X basically saved Def Jam when he signed to the record label in the 90s, but they couldn't save him. He also recalled the last time he saw X when he went to talk to gang members in Queens, NY about staying out of trouble.
Russell explained, “He saved us but we didn’t save him. We should have given him more love. And we have to be responsible to the next DMX. This has to be a teachable moment. . . . He came to Queens and he gave of himself and he said some of the things I said to them before him, but when he said it, they listened. He had a way of saying things that people could digest.–He came to help us, he saved our music company. I’m sure that day he saved some lives, and we didn’t save him.”
Meanwhile, Kerry Washington faced some backlash over a tweet she made about DMX and Prince Phillip. She tweeted, “Anybody else wondering what DMX and His Royal Highness Prince Philip are chatting about together at the pearly gates? My love to both their families. May they both Rest in Peace.” One person reacted to the tweet, saying, “DMX and Prince Phillip going to two very different places…don’t lump in DMX with a white supremacist pls queen.” Another wrote, “Kerry Washington wanted us to fantasize about Prince Philip calling DMX racial slur in the afterlife.” Kerry later deleted the tweet.
MORE CELEBRITY REACTIONS
Lil Kim: “I’m sorry. I just can’t right now. This one is just too heavy.”
Missy Elliot: “Even though you had battles you TOUCHED so many through your MUSIC and when you would PRAY so many people FELT THAT! No matter where you PRAYED whether at a show or on the street You spoke with CONVICTION!🙌🏾This is so heavy for The HipHop family & so many especially those who grew up with your music this is tough, but your LEGACY LIVES ON & your SPIRIT. Continued Prayers for X family & friends for STRENGTH/HEALING🙏🏾.”
Viola Davis: “RIP DMX. I pray for the comfort of your children and loved ones. 🙏🏿💛.”
T.I.: “💔Damn Bro😢 We gon miss the cadence of your speech, your voice, your sincerity, your energy, your thoughts & your presence. I'm thankful for the times we had & the laughs we shared. You'll forever be remembered for all the love, truth, & wisdom you shared with the world. Our deepest condolences to the family. #LongLiveDMX.”
Eve: “#mydog X 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 Humour,talent,wisdom honesty and love and most of all loyalty. This world has lost a REAL ONE but the heavens have gained an ANGEL. Sending huge love to all of his family. May you Rest 🙏🏾🕊💔😔 #rip #dmx #ruffrydersfamily.”
Drag-On: “To everyone I know that has been calling my phone and I haven’t been picking up, I am so sorry but I have a funny way of dealing pain, this is still too unreal. I am in full disbelief. Dog was my protector my brother my family. I will forever be your little brother and I wish you didn’t leave me bro, cause now I’m really down here by my self in this industry.”
Gabrielle Union: “I was praying I wouldn't have to think about how to describe what you meant to me. We bonded over our shared love of dogs, cold beers, Golden Girls reruns, New Edition and adventures. . . . I am forever grateful for your joy, your laugh, your protection all these years and your hugs anytime I've seen you. You are 1 of 1. Rest in eternal peace my friend. Rest. 🖤🖤🖤🖤.”
Ashanti: “Devastating … Me and X did a show together in Africa years ago..we chopped it up on the plane for a little while and I remember he asked if I wrote my own records as I sat writing in my notebook..I said yup… he smiled and said good.. When we landed we’re all walking off the plane and he grabs my hand and says let’s pray.. so my team and his wife (at the time)and his team formed a big circle in the airport..we all held hands.. and he delivered the most powerful, raw, beautiful prayer..straight from his heart..There were African dancers and drummers celebrating and welcoming us…and after the prayer we all started dancing together lol. I’m truly grateful to have witnessed and been a part of that. His energy & passion was unmatched. His music will continue to touch and inspire millions forever. Truly one of one. Sending an abundance of love and prayers to the entire family. Rest In Peace X #dmx #legend 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽.”
