YONKERS- The rapper DMX’s legacy filled the air in Yonkers, New York, on Tuesday night as more than five thousand people got together to honour their hometown icon.
Red coloured balloons were released into the air, and several red candles were lit along the sidewalk opposite the complex where DMX grew old.
Earl Simmons, raised in Yonkers and was born in Mount Vernon, New York, climbed up to hip-hop stardom under the name DMX. Despite his fame, he was remembered as a native guy who never forgets his roots.
Those roots were on showcase on Tuesday as Yonkers residents met around 6 p.m. to weep the loss of DMX, who died very young on April 9. He was 50 years old.
Some people spoke a few words of remembrance, but it was mostly a sad and silent vigil. A DJ played his music after the short formal part of the vigil ended.
A second vigil will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday for DMX at Fourth Street Park in Mount Vernon, New York.
The local waves carry on the legacy of DMX, who was hospitalized after a heart attack on April 2. He was on the ventilator at White Plains Hospital before he passed away there on Friday.
The emcee’s family gathered outside the hospital the previous week as people huddled to show respect for DMX.
DMX became a celebrated name with the Ruff Ryders rap crew in the late 1990s and 2000s. His hits include “Stop Being Greedy,” “Get At Me Dog,” “Ruff Ryders Anthem,” “Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood,” The Great Depression,” and many more.
DMX launched seven albums and was nominated for three Grammy’s. He also worked as an actor and did movies like “Exit Wounds,” “Belly,” “Cradle 2 the Grave”, and “Romeo Must Die.”
