NBA Stars LeBron James, Bradley Beal, Ja Morant + More Honor DMX’s Legacy
As countless rappers continue to mourn the tragic death of DMX, NBA stars also followed suit on Friday (April 9) as the sad news spread across the internet.
With over 74 million records sold, DMX’s high-powered music was a staple in NBA arenas worldwide and a wide range of current and former NBA stars were sure to give his musical legacy the respect it deserves.
“4L!! Rest In Paradise LEGEND!!,” reigning league champion and noted rap fan LeBron James wrote in one his numerous social media tributes.
Former NBA champion and All The Smoke podcast co-host Stephen Jackson revealed DMX lyrics inspired a tattoo many moons ago. “If my life ain’t long, I thank God with my last breath so my life ain’t wrong,” Stak wrote on Instagram, citing DMX guest lyrics from Jerzee Monet’s “Most High (Remix)” from 2002.
“He inspired me to get this tat 17 yrs ago. Words that stuck with me. Rest Easy Big Dog. Gone but never forgotten. Prayers and condolences to DMX and his family.”
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Ice Cube, who has successfully been running his own Big3 basketball league for 4 years, shared a time X’s love for Hip Hop exceeded his love for clout. “DMX never said “no”… he laced @thebig3 for free. RIP,” Cube captioned a photo of DMX performing a Big3 game circa July 2017.
DMX never said “no”… he laced @thebig3 for free. RIP https://t.co/xAipv6RPBh
— Ice Cube (@icecube) April 9, 2021
Basketball fans also recalled the time X was in the Boston area for rehab and attended a Celtics game in 2017. Once his face graced the arena’s Jumbotron and his signature “Ruff Ryders Anthem” blared through speakers, the crowd went wild like the team had just hit a game-winning shot.
DMX was met with a raucous applause when he attended a Celtics game in 2017.
When the iconic rapper appeared on the Jumbotron at the TD Garden, the DJ dropped this… pic.twitter.com/7K0Qp22ccr
— Hoops Nostalgia (@HoopsNostalgia) April 9, 2021
DMX passed away on Friday at the age of 50 after a purported drug overdose left him at the mercy of the New York hospital’s life support. His family released a heartfelt statement that requested privacy but assured fans would be able to share the celebration of life in due time.
“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 statement began. “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 finalized.”
Check below for more reactions from the likes of Bradley Beal, Trae Young, Ray Allen and more. HipHopDX sends our condolences to friends and family of DMX.
It was always love and respect with the one and only DMX pic.twitter.com/yeYWIzgZ2u
— Ice Cube (@icecube) April 10, 2021
pic.twitter.com/koDk5nV14L
— James Harden (@JHarden13) April 9, 2021
Real DMX fan… Loved that dude as an artist and person equally. Happy I had the pleasure of interacting with him over music. ??
— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) April 9, 2021
RIP DMX ??
— Bradley Beal (@RealDealBeal23) April 9, 2021
?? damn https://t.co/EiqWzy8Zfu
— Ja Morant (@JaMorant) April 9, 2021
Recognizing a legend. Rest in Peace, X ? pic.twitter.com/WgSo8rA3Pm
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) April 10, 2021
RIP TO A LEGEND @DMX ??? pic.twitter.com/LNiuHcuiya
— Karl-Anthony Towns (@KarlTowns) April 9, 2021
Icon.
RIP DMX? pic.twitter.com/xYiBdqjLQl— Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) April 9, 2021
Grew up listening to your music word for word as young kid. You name will liv forever! R.I.P DMX ????
— Marcus Morris (@MookMorris2) April 9, 2021
RIP DMX if you know me you know I fw X heavy smh this one hurt ?
— Miles Bridges (@MilesBridges) April 9, 2021
Never let this video go away! Legendary ??pic.twitter.com/XvubFIa2vq
— Eric Paschall (@epaschall) April 9, 2021
My favorite DMX song. RIP X pic.twitter.com/QPmfBiyW3y
— Jordan McRae (@JordyMac52) April 9, 2021
Rest up DMX???
— 14 (@RjHampton14) April 9, 2021
RIP Legend ???? pic.twitter.com/7azH6xHq1M
— Andre Drummond (@AndreDrummond) April 9, 2021
We lost another Legend
R.I.P DMX pic.twitter.com/DfceOQozQM— SHAQ (@SHAQ) April 9, 2021
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When they play DMX in the @SmoothieKingCtr ?
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) April 10, 2021
RIP DMX ??
— Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) April 9, 2021
??? https://t.co/vdaD3wTwns
— Ryan Hollins (@TheRyanHollins) April 9, 2021
Another GREAT gone. Man…Life is Precious! Rest Easy ??#DMXforever
— Shaun Livingston (@ShaunLivingston) April 9, 2021
DMX gave hope to the hopeless.. RIP legend ??
— ? Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) April 9, 2021
RIP to the Legend!!
— Darius Miller (@DmillerKY) April 9, 2021
Iconic artist DMX passed away at age 50;( sorry to hear that. Grow up listening his music. Had a chance to shake his hand once in Orlando after the game! Great person?? #rip
— Marcin Gortat?? (@MGortat) April 9, 2021