The Original Ruff Ryders Are Reuniting For A Mega Celebration

Since they burst onto the scene in the 90s, members of the original Ruff Ryders crew have been ever-present in Hip-Hop. Consisting of DMX, The LOX, Eve and, leader, Swizz Beatz, they created a new sound for the era, built on thin synths and thunderous drums. Since those early days, the crew has expanded and contracted, with each of the original members going on to enjoy enormous amounts of success, whether when collaborating or solo. The LOX’s Jadakiss, Styles P and Sheek Louch continue to have the utmost respect of the streets. DMX remains one of Rap’s most enigmatic and revered figures. Swizz Beatz has established himself as one of the greatest Hip-Hop producers of all-time. And, while Eve, arguably, has been the least active of the clique, when the “First Lady” does make appearances, mountains move.

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While iterations of the crew have come together periodically, it has been several years since X, Swizz, Jada, Sheek, Styles and Eve shared the same stage. While there was no reported beef, the stars simply did not align. Today (February 28), it’s become clear that that’s all about to change. Earlier, a link went live on ticketmaster for a Ruff Ryders Reunion Tour And Friends – Past, Present And Future show that will be held at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY on Friday, April 21. Each of Eve, DMX, Swizz Beatz, The Lox and Drag-On is billed as participating in the event.

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The reference to their past is obvious, given Ruff Ryders’ monumental catalog, stemming all the way back to the release of DMX’s It’s Dark And Hell Is Hot in 1998. Their “present” is also as hot as it has been in a number of years. Last weekend, Swizz Beatz held a head to head beat battle with Just Blaze that set the Internet and social media worlds on fire. It is perhaps the future, however, that holds even more excitement. Though the listing is only for one show, there is already speculation that it might be the launching pad for a national tour, similarly to how Bad Boy Entertainment launched their 20-year anniversary tour last year at the same Barclays arena.

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Additionally, for the last several months, Swizz Beatz has been speaking about his excitement regarding the music that he and DMX have made together, and not being able to wait to share it with the world. Based on releases like “Bane Is Back,” and the song that Swizz dropped featuring X, Nas, Jay Z and Jadakiss, possibly from that same stash, he and the world have good reason to be excited. Even if the event is simply a one-off, a reunion of one of Rap’s most important collectives for the first time in years is cause to celebrate.

Pre-sale tickets go on sale on Friday, March 3, and can be purchased here.