‘No one radiated more agony, pain, and atomic energy’: Fans and celebrities pay tribute to DMX

‘I know that you are in the place of peace you deserve,’ Ruff Ryders labelmate Eve wrote on Instagram in tribute

Tributes poured in from fans and celebrities alike on Friday (9 April) in the wake of rapper DMX’s death.

Rapper and actor Eve, who was on the Ruff Ryders label with DMX, whose real name was Earl Simmons, wrote a tribute to “my dog” on her Instagram.

“I know that you are in the place of peace you deserve,” she wrote. “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.”

Many other tributes came in on Friday, with actor Martin Lawrence posting to Facebook: “My prayers and condolences go out to the family of the iconic DMX.”

Actor Viola Davis also shared a tribute, writing, “RIP DMX. I pray for the comfort of your children and loved ones.”

Rapper Missy Elliott also posted a heartfelt tribute, writing, “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.”

Rapper Q-Tip also posted, writing, “May God Bless your Wonderful soul my KING....”

The Weeknd also shared a wordless tribute on Instagram:

Pharrell, meanwhile, wrote: “The space you saw in a beat, the pain you would squeeze out of the moment, and the words that would come of it makes you one of the best to ever do it.”

Basketball legend LeBron James also updated his status, writing, “4L!! Rest In Paradise LEGEND!!” on Twitter.

Fellow rapper Vince Staples only shared an image of the “Party Up” rapper.

Film director Ava DuVernay praised DMX’s film work, writing, “One of my favorite performances in one of my favorite films was given by DMX. If you haven’t seen BELLY in a while or at all, gift yourself with his talent in that film this weekend.”

Former NFL quarterback Antonio Cromartie also posted a tribute, writing, “RIP to a legend DMX.”

Journalists and music critics also chimed in with tributes. “Rest In Power, DMX. Thank you for being a light in spite of the darkness,” wrote journalist Justin L Hunte.

“RIP DMX. No one radiated more agony, pain, and atomic energy,” wrote hip-hop journalist and critic Jeff Weiss. “The Cerberus from Yonkers, who suffered for all of our sins and his own. Maybe the rawest rapper of all-time, no pretense or frills, just pure adrenaline, lawless genius, and reckless abandon. The struggle incarnate.”

DMX’s family shared the news of his death with The Associated Press on Friday, a week after the rapper suffered a heart attack that left him on life support. He was 50 years old.

“We are deeply saddened to announce today that our loved one, DMX, birth name of Earl Simmons, passed away at 50 years old at White Plains Hospital with his family by his side after being placed on life support for the past few days,” the family told People in a statement.

“Earl was a warrior who fought till the very end. He loved his family with all of his heart and we cherish the times we spent with him. Earl's music inspired countless fans across the world and his iconic legacy will live on forever. We appreciate all of the love and support during this incredibly difficult time. Please respect our privacy as we grieve the loss of our brother, father, uncle and the man the world knew as DMX. We will share information about his memorial service once details are finalised.”