Nearly three months after the unexpected passing of DMX, the music community continues to mourn Earl Simmons. That was clear with the tribute at the 2021 BET Awards. Broadcasting Sunday night (June 27), a handful of X’s Rap peers honored the legend with a performance medley curated by Swizz Beatz.

The five-minute tribute included songs spanning DMX’s run. It’s Dark And Hell Is Hot classics “Ruff Ryders Anthem” and “Get At Me Dog” were performed, as well as “What’s My Name?” and X’s final charting single, 2003’s “Where The Hood At?” among others. Additionally, new songs from DMX’s first major release in 15 years were showcased.

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The concert included deliveries from two of DMX’s respected peer collaborators, Method Man and Busta Rhymes. Besides curation, Swizz also appeared as well as actor Michael K. Williams. Buffalo, New York’s Griselda squad also performed. X recorded this year’s “Hood Blues” with the trio of Westside Gunn, Benny The Butcher, and Conway The Machine. X confirmed the collaboration while on a Drink Champs episode, one of his final interviews. Michael K. Williams also delivered an impassioned performance of “Slippin’.” With Meth’, he appeared on “The Grand Finale,” LL Cool J’s “4,3,2,1,” and Jayo Felony’s “Whatcha Gonna Do?” Alongside Busta, DMX made the “Touch It (Remix)” and “Why We Die,” among others.

The performance was partially coordinated by DMX’s longtime label home and management company. “[The] Ruff Ryders are pleased to partner with BET in honoring our fallen brother, DMX. He meant so much to communities around the world. His legacy will live forever,” said Waah Dean, Ruff Ryders Entertainment’s founder and CEO.

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Following the death of DMX, Ruff Ryders, Swizz Beatz, and Def Jam Records released Exodus. The album that Earl Simmons was making during the final years features JAY-Z, Nas, Snoop Dogg, Wes, Benny, and Conway. The LP was named among Ambrosia For Heads’ best of the year so far.

#BonusBeat: AFH’s What’s The Headline podcast offer an in-depth breakdown of DMX’s Exodus: