Snoop Dogg has shared an emotional tribute to his late friend DMX, who passed away on the weekend at the age of 50.
The Grammy-nominated artist (real name Earl Simmons) died surrounded by loved ones after several days on life support, after suffering a “catastrophic cardiac arrest”.
Appearing on America’s the Today show this week, Snoop paid an emotional tribute to his fellow rapper, comparing him to an angel.
“I’d like to say that DMX was wanting to glorify his relationship with God, and he was always pushing the right thing, and he was always trying to help other people,” he said.
“And that leads me to believe that’s why God chose His angel to come back home with him. He did his time out here.”
Snoop continued: “He did what he was supposed to do. He influenced, he inspired and he represented. So, DMX, his soul will live on and his music will live on, as well. We thank you, brother, for what you brought to us.”
According to initial reports to MRC Data (via Billboard), streams of DMX’s music have surged by 928 per cent since his tragic death, with his most-streamed songs on the weekend listed as ‘Ruff Ryders’ Anthem’ (9.59 million; up 973 per cent), ‘X Gon’ Give It To Ya’ (5.79 million; up 900 per cent) and ‘Slippin’’ (5.52 million; up 853 per cent).
And it’s likely there may be loads more unreleased DMX music that’s yet to reach our ears.
It’s believed that DMX had been busy working on his much anticipated comeback album, the follow-up to 2012’s Undisputed, at the time of his death, previously teasing that it would include collabs with Lil Wayne, Snoop Dogg, Alicia Keys, Usher and the late Pop Smoke.
In February, he also announced that he had a collaboration with U2’s Bono on the way.
