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The soundtrack was loud and raw, befitting a gravelly-voiced rapper whose work confronted dark themes head-on.
DMXs songs blared from car speakers, cyclists revved their engines, and passing motorists honked insupport.
Cynthia Roberts, 57, was one of the many longtime fans who came to pay their respects.
He tells it how it is, Roberts told Vulture.
You dont expect legends to die, but they do.
Its something about his soul, the music.
Hes definitely helped me, through his music, get through certain situations.
DMXdied on April 9, one week after being hospitalized for a reported drug overdose and heart attack.
Inside Barclays, the memorial celebrated his soulfulness and struggles.
Our father is a king, one of DMXs sons, Xavier, said.
Our father is an icon.
I am so honored to have a father, a father like we have, he said.
This man deepened my ability to love.
He taught me to be strong.
Nas, who described DMX as a hip-hop icon, recalled their work together on the 1998 filmBelly.
His first album didnt even come out yet, but he knew his journey was starting.
The Ruff Ryders music collective also took the stage to share stories about their work and friendships with DMX.
Im trying my best not to cry right now, the rapper and Ruff Ryders member Drag-On said.
He taught me everything I know.
Deep in the Bronx, DMX vouched [for] me, bro.
Facts, said Drag-On.
I aint shit without him, straight up.
The air I breathe is what he put in my mouth in this industry, period.
Jadakiss said, This is a big hit for us, the world.
It hurts anytime you lose a soldier, but this one hurts different.
DMX was the ghetto-ist person that ever existed, Styles P said warmly.
I swear to you.
He was built out of love, and just spread it.
Styles P also remembered a time when they were both in a county jail at the same time.
He just came to me: You ready, dog?
I was like, Shit, yeah man, lets go.
Styles P said that DMX had a band set up, drummers … everything.
Thats DMX, the legend, man.
I just wish all these people showed up for him when he was here.
This man needed everybody.
He didnt need everybody when he was not here.
He needed everybody when he was here.
A lot of people aint your friends.
You have to do your will.
You do not want strangers, bloodsuckers, handling your business when youre not here.
You want the ones that you love handling your businesses.
Swizz Beatz said that hes going to ensure DMXs family and children are taken care of.
This is not a fashion show.
This is not a performance.
This is a real-life day-to-day, he said.
And I love everybody that really had a love for my brother.
Numerous hip-hop stars attended.
Vulture spotted Bobby Shmurda and Busta Rhymes give each other a close hug and chat after the memorial.
Outside Barclays, fans described how their love for DMX made them want to be better people.
Maine, of the BX131 Ruff Ryders, pointed to DMXs charitable and family-oriented life.
Hes been a great influence in my life … just following in his footsteps with everything.
That conversation was deep, he said, explaining that DMXs death hit home hard.
I kind of took this to heart.
I shed my tears already.
Sad, put it like that.
Hes looking at us right now, and hes got a smile on his face.
