Snoop Dogg, Swizz Beatz, Many More Pay Tribute to DMX

In the wake of DMX’s death on Friday, social media quickly filled up with tributes to the legendary rapper from artists ranging from Missy Elliott to Viola Davis, as well as former business associates. But it wasn’t until the following days that longtime friends like Snoop Dogg, who performed a Verzuz battle with DMZ last summer, and Swizz Beatz, who was a fellow flagship artist on Ruff Ryders Records in the late 1990s, paid tribute.

Snoop posted a clip from the Verzuz on Saturday, with the note: “What they thought was a battle ended up being a family reunion. Of 2 Doggs who loved everything about each other thank. U. X for loving me back. C u when I get there🕊🕊🕊🙏🏽🙏🏽🌹🙏🏽🎙 He followed with more photos and brief video clips.

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Swizz Beats posted a long spoken tribute, as well as video some photos. “I’m truly beyond devastated !!!!!!,” he wrote. “But I’m so happy my brother is no longer in pain . I watched him take everyone’s pain and make it his own 🙏🏽 I send my love and support to his entire family 🙏🏽 My brother we will never let them forget your name and you will live forever F.A.M.E🌹 Long live King DMX THE GREAT AKAmy brother 4 Life Earl Simmons 🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊 Damn Dog🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲

Ruff Ryders cofounder Joaquin Dean (Swizz’s uncle) wrote: “Forever my brother. May god bless you and take you into his paradise. You will always be my brother for life. Let’s celebrate the dog for all the work he put in here. My dog for life RR 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾”

Def Jam Recordings, who last collaborated with DMX on his album “Grand Champ” in 2003, released a statement honoring the late rapper.

“Def Jam Recordings and the extended Def Jam family of artists, executives and employees are deeply and profoundly saddened by the loss of our brother Earl ‘DMX’ Simmons,” the record label said. “DMX was a brilliant artist and an inspiration to millions around the world. His message of triumph over struggle, his search for the light out of darkness, his pursuit of truth and grace brought us closer to our own humanity. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and all those who loved him and were touched by him. DMX was nothing less than a giant. His legend will live on forever.”

Lyor Cohen, the global head of music for YouTube and the former head of Def Jam, said the rapper was “a wonderful, caring father and a sensitive, thoughtful man.”

“Unfortunately, Dark Man X took over and ran amok, tormented and struggling to find the light,” Cohen said. “DMX gave me the inspiration to keep going at Def Jam when rap became soft and silly.”

Missy Elliott discussed DMX’s legacy Friday morning and tweeted, “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.”

Viola Davis, who recently portrayed blues singer Ma Rainey in “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” tweeted, “RIP DMX. I pray for the comfort of your children and loved ones.”

Chance the Rapper wrote on Twitter, “Rest in Heaven DMX.”

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