Grammy-nominated rapper DMX was honored by the Ruff Ryders in his hometown one year after his tragic death.
According to reports, the late rapper’s friends, family, and fans began the celebration at Ruff Ryders’ studios in Yonkers, then headed to his gravesite at Oakland Cemetary on Apr. 9. There, supporters did a prayer and balloon release around 10 a.m.
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After paying their respects at the cemetery, they rode to Nepperhan Community Center, where DMX, whose real name was Earl Simmons, played basketball during his youth.
Last year, the community center’s director, Jim Bostic, revealed that there had been a proposal to build and TV and recording studio in its basement in DMX’s honor.
“He left a niche in the city of Yonkers for young boys and girls to feel like there’s nothing they cannot achieve,” Bostic reportedly said.
Following the center and gravesite visit, attendees of Simmons’ celebration headed to School St., where he grew up.
“He was a voice of people that didn’t have a voice,” Joaquin “Waah” Dean, Ruff Ryders’ co-founder, said to News 12. “He walked in faith even though his struggle was wavy; he still had this power. He had faith in God. And he gave hope to the people.”
“He meant everything to Yonkers because he was somebody who came from nothing, made [himself] into something, and he always brought back to the community,” another attendee added.
The Ruff Ryders initially announced the day-long celebration via Instagram on Apr. 5.
“THE OFFICIAL CELEBRATION OF LIFE for our [brother],” they wrote underneath the image of a flyer, tagging multiple members, including legendary producer, DJ, and businessman Swizz Beats.
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After days on life support, Simmons passed away at a White Plains hospital following a heart attack induced by a drug overdose. His death sent a shockwave through the music industry and the world, as he was a well-respected and loved musician.
The then-50-year-old’s fiancée Desiree Lindstrom recently expressed that she was still heartbroken over her husband’s passing.
“It’s hard, you know? It’s really hard. I just take it minute by minute,” she said on an episode of It’s Tricky with Raquel Harper podcast. “Some people say you could take it day by day, but it’s second by second. My life changed so fast in the blink of an eye.”
The two share a son named Exodus Simmons.
