What would have been DMX’s fifty fifth birthday shall be honored with a star-studded celebration at SOB’s subsequent month, bringing collectively household, collaborators and a brand new technology of artists moved by the late rapper’s spirit.

SOB’s, the legendary efficiency venue, has teamed with the Estate of Earl “DMX” Simmons and acclaimed photographer Jonathan Mannion to current DMX 55, a night devoted to the life, music and cultural affect of considered one of Hip-Hop’s most influential figures. The tribute takes place Thursday, December 18, the day the Yonkers legend was born.

Desiree Lindstrom, X’s fiancée on the time of his demise, and Sasha Simmons, his daughter, issued a joint assertion on his affect and the celebration.

“Earl Simmons was an artist, a father, a friend, and a spiritual warrior who showed us what it means to fight through pain with faith,” stated Desiree Lindstrom and Sasha Simmons, co-administrators of the property. “DMX 55 is a celebration of his incredible life and all that he achieved — the love he gave and the love he continues to receive.”

The occasion will characteristic performances from Denzel Curry and .idk., two artists who’ve brazenly credited DMX as a defining drive of their artistic journeys. Special friends from the rapper’s circle of pals, household and longtime supporters are anticipated to look all through the evening.

“Performing on X’s birthday means more than a show — it’s a tribute,” stated .idk. “His voice shaped an era, and his energy still moves through everything I do.”

Harlem’s personal DJ SNS, who shares the identical December 18 birthday because the late icon, will set the soundtrack by the evening. The veteran DJ mirrored on assembly X early in his profession when he was handed the one “Born Loser” to interrupt in New York golf equipment.

“Losing him hit me hard — it knocked the wind out of me in a way I wasn’t ready for,” he stated. “I’ll support DMX until the day I’m gone.”

The tribute additionally marks a homecoming of kinds.

DMX first hit the SOB’s stage within the Nineties, years earlier than It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot turned him into a worldwide phenomenon. Mannion, who shot a number of of DMX’s most iconic album covers, stated the evening will highlight each the legacy he captured by his lens and the younger voices shaping Hip-Hop’s future.

“Though X is no longer with us, his music and images remind us of the greatness he shared with us all,” Mannion stated. “This will be a night to remember at the legendary SOB’s.”

DMX rose from battles in Yonkers to turn out to be the primary rapper in historical past to debut 5 consecutive albums at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. His uncooked supply and introspective themes made him some of the emotionally resonant artists of his technology. Beyond music, he grew to become a bankable Hollywood presence with movies together with Belly, Romeo Must Die and Cradle 2 the Grave.

Since his demise in April 2021, the property has labored to take care of and increase his legacy by music, pictures, storytelling and neighborhood engagement.

DMX 55 begins at 8 p.m. on December 18 and is open to friends 21 and over.

For tickets, go right here: dmx55.eventbrite.com 

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