DMX death: Fans and celebrities pay tribute to ‘legend’ rapper

Sign up to Roisin O’Connor’s free weekly newsletter Now Hear This for the inside track on all things music Get our Now Hear This email for free Get our Now Hear This email for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. 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. 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. 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!! 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.