DMX’s casket carried through Brooklyn on a monster truck as bikers join memorial for rap icon
Rap icon and actor DMX was given a spectacular farewell as his casket was carried on a huge monster truck from Yonkers north of Manhattan where he grew up, to Barclay's Centre in Brooklyn, where a memorial service was planned.
Thousands of New Yorkers watched the procession go by, as streets were closed and lanes restricted to facilitate the ceremonial journey.
The monster truck had the words “Long Live DMX” painted on the side. The truck, and the thousands of bikers escorting it, was seen as a homage to Ruff Ryders, the motorcycle-loving rap group with whom DMX, whose real name was Earl Simmons, rose to fame.
DMX died aged 50 on 9 April after suffering a heart attack following a drug overdose. He passed one week after being admitted to hospital where he was put on life support.
Hundreds of #RuffRyders come out to #DMX’s Celebration Of Life Tribute which is set to take place at the Barclays Center!🙏 #RIPDMX
@dmx 🎥 @LandeYoosuf pic.twitter.com/VgvMCRhspO— WORLDSTARHIPHOP (@WORLDSTAR) April 24, 2021
They shutdown the whole Trinity bridge for X. More than 2000 motorcycles riding through. Almost missed my vaccine appointment but glad I got to witness that.
RIP DMX pic.twitter.com/fjqVRouHL0— A. (@YourFavNepali) April 24, 2021
Around 200 police officers were in the streets to help the funeral cortege move along its route.
Today’s procession for DMX will be traveling from Yonkers to Barclays Center at approximately 1200 hours, so expect temporary closures along the below route:
South on Major Deegan to the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge to the westbound Grand Central Parkway. pic.twitter.com/WpZ1Lp5ccR— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) April 24, 2021
Only 10 per cent of the seats in the 19,000-seat Barclay's Centre arena were allowed to be filled in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines.
DMX’s casket has arrived at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center on a massive monster truck for his memorial service pic.twitter.com/Q2L7B2L04D
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) April 24, 2021
Bikers followed the coffin and the monster truck throughout New York, arriving at the Brooklyn arena just after 2pm.
— Sarah! (@SarahisSorry) April 24, 2021
“Cops will be stationed along the route and there will be a heavy police presence,” law enforcement said according to the New York Post.
Easily over 1000 motorcyclists heading to the DMX memorial now #ripdmx pic.twitter.com/YRFL3BBdeu
— Liam Quigley (@_elkue) April 24, 2021
When asked about the cost of the Brooklyn memorial, a spokesperson for Barclay's told the paper: “We aren’t at liberty to discuss the financial arrangements of our events."
All for DMX 🙏🏾 that’s LOVE 🖤🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/Z2uuTTufEk
— BlackCultureEntertainment🗣 (@4TheCulture____) April 24, 2021
Born in Mount Vernon, DMX went on to become a father of 15, making his way in street battles after a problematic childhood, and becoming one of the most successful rappers of all time.
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