NBA Stars LeBron James, Bradley Beal, Ja Morant + More Honor DMX’s Legacy

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As countless rappers continue to mourn the tragic death of DMX, NBA stars also followed suit on Friday (April 9) as the sad news spread across the internet.

With over 74 million records sold, DMX’s high-powered music was a staple in NBA arenas worldwide and a wide range of current and former NBA stars were sure to give his musical legacy the respect it deserves.

“4L!! Rest In Paradise LEGEND!!,” reigning league champion and noted rap fan LeBron James wrote in one his numerous social media tributes. 



DMX Has Died At 50 Following A Week In White Plains Hospital ICU

Former NBA champion and All The Smoke podcast co-host Stephen Jackson revealed DMX lyrics inspired a tattoo many moons ago. 

“If my life ain’t long, I thank God with my last breath so my life ain’t wrong,” Stak wrote on Instagram, citing DMX guest lyrics from Jerzee Monet’s “Most High (Remix)” from 2002.

“He inspired me to get this tat 17 yrs ago. Words that stuck with me. Rest Easy Big Dog. Gone but never forgotten. Prayers and condolences to DMX and his family.”

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Ice Cube, who has successfully been running his own Big3 basketball league for 4 years, shared a time X’s love for Hip Hop exceeded his love for clout. 

“DMX never said “no”… he laced @thebig3 for free. RIP,” Cube captioned a photo of DMX performing a Big3 game circa July 2017.



Basketball fans also recalled the time X was in the Boston area for rehab and attended a Celtics game in 2017. Once his face graced the arena’s Jumbotron and his signature “Ruff Ryders Anthem” blared through speakers, the crowd went wild like the team had just hit a game-winning shot.

DMX passed away on Friday at the age of 50 after a purported drug overdose left him at the mercy of the New York hospital’s life support. His family released a heartfelt statement that requested privacy but assured fans would be able to share the celebration of life in due time.

“We are deeply saddened to announce today that our loved one, DMX, birth name of Earl Simmons, passed away at 50-years-old at White Plains Hospital with his family by his side after being placed on life support for the past few days,” the statement began. “Earl was a warrior who fought till the very end. He loved his family with all of his heart and we cherish the times we spent with him. Earl’s music inspired countless fans across the world and his iconic legacy will live on forever. We appreciate all of the love and support during this incredibly difficult time. Please respect our privacy as we grieve the loss of our brother, father, uncle, and the man the world knew as DMX. We will share information about his memorial service once details are finalized.”





DMX Reveals Lil Wayne, Snoop Dogg, The LOX, Alicia Keys, Usher & ‘That U2 N-gga’ Bono Are On His Forthcoming LP





Check below for more reactions from the likes of Bradley Beal, Trae Young, Ray Allen and more. HipHopDX sends our condolences to friends and family of DMX.

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