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DMX's memorial: Kanye West and Sunday Service choir pay musical tribute to hip hop icon, leave fans in tears

The Yeezy founder and his group wore red hooded sweatshirts and huddled around a piano to sing a medley of songs

The late rapper DMX's 'Celebration of Life' memorial service at Barclays Center in New York was opened by the Yeezy founder and his Sunday Service Choir on Saturday, April 24. In celebration of DMX, the group dressed in red hooded sweatshirts and huddled around a piano to perform a medley of songs including, 'Back to Life,' 'Keep on Movin' and more.

Ahead of the afternoon memorial for the hip hop legend, DMX fans swarmed the lanes on foot and wheel around Brooklyn’s Barclays Center. Hundreds of motorcyclists jostled for space on the road as they escorted DMX’s coffin past the borough’s iconic Williamsburg Savings Bank Tower. The New York hip hop icon — known for a string of hit singles, including “Ruff Ryders’ Anthem,” “What’s My Name” and “What These Bitches Want” — arrived at Barclays just after 2 pm in a bright red coffin, set in the flatbed of a monster truck emblazoned with the words “Long Live DMX.” Here's how the memorial commenced. 

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How did Kanye West and Sunday Service offer tribute?

The service started with a home video of DMX and his daughter riding a carnival ride together, with DMX holding her hand and telling her, "It's okay, daddy's here." As the choir performed an emotional rendition of "Amen," DMX's shiny red casket with the Ruff Ryders logo was front and center.

The choir sang songs including Whitney Houston's recording of "Jesus Loves Me" and an emotional mix of DMX's "Ruff Ryders' Anthem."  

Ahead of the memorial service Yeezy teamed up with Balenciaga to pay tribute to DMX with a shirt in honor of the late rapper. Yeezy unveiled the design of the long-sleeve shirt on its dedicated website, which bears a portrait of DMX on the front with his date of birth on one sleeve and the date of his passing on the other. The back says, "In Loving Memory" along the hemline.

'Making it about Kanye'

Fans took to Twitter to share their photos and videos of the service. "DMX’s Morning Prayer At Kanye West’s Sunday Service," said one. "KANYE WEST IS A GENIUS!!!! I WILL LOVE HIM FOREVER FOR WHAT HE DID FOR DMX CELEBRATION!" said another. However, some complained how some Kanye fans were making the occasion about the rapper's talents: "Don't like how some Kanye West stan accounts are making the memorial for DMX about Kanye and the performance."

'Kind-hearted genius'

Most others were there but full of love. A netizen said, "Shook the spirit today.  Sunday Service x Ye x DMX = Full Circle. Happy @kanyewest was there to help send our brother home." "Kanye West is a kind hearted genius... I hope this provides as much help to DMX's kids," said another. "#dmx #dmxfuneral the lord performs miracles through @kanyewest. I am amazed; cried tears of joy. Thank you for bringing the service. Thank you, @DMX you inspired lots of people," said another person.

"You ever hear “Flashing Lights” and think “Wow, I gotta be like Kanye.” His celebration & service for DMX was beautiful & beyond nice! It’s acts of gratitude like this, which we should all demonstrate in our daily lives! Pass peace on, rest in power DMX #dmx #kanyewest #choir," one social media user who tuned in for the service said. 

DMX passed away on April 9, just days after being rushed to the hospital for a heart attack. He had reached the age of fifty. DMX's family described him as a "warrior who fought to the bitter end".