For one night time in New York City, time stopped. Hip-Hop’s previous, current and future stood shoulder to shoulder underneath one roof in celebration. What unfolded wasn’t only a tribute to DMX on his fifty fifth birthday; it was a dwelling reminder of why Hip-Hop endures, why its power by no means dies, and why its icons proceed to maneuver the tradition lengthy after they’re gone.

A particular and distinctive factor occurred DMX’s born day, December 18. It felt just like the epitome of Hip-Hop distilled right into a single night—previous, current, and future all colliding lovingly in a single area.

On what would have been DMX’s fifty fifth birthday, a robust lineup of artists, legends and tradition bearers got here collectively to have fun his life, his music and his enduring power. Alicia Keys, Ice-T, Swizz Beatz, Melle Mel, Denzel Curry, IDK and plenty of others confirmed up in a beautiful homage.

The occasion befell at SOB’s, a storied, legendary membership that has hosted numerous Hip-Hop moments through the years. AllHipHop virtually lived there again within the 2000s. The venue was bought out, packed wall to wall with individuals who got here to honor DMX, but additionally to expertise the tradition in its dwelling, respiratory kind. Newer artists held nothing again.

ScarLip carried out and amped up the group along with her uncooked power and outspoken love for X. She additionally rapped exterior of the venue with people who have been unable to get inside. Grafh, Mick Benson and Dupree have been within the constructing, together with Ruff Ryders founders Dee and Waah Dean, placing an actual, genuine stamp on the night time. This was household enterprise.

For me, this was one of many dopest and purest Hip-Hop occasions I’ve attended in latest reminiscence. SOB’s stays one of many final actually genuine Hip-Hop areas within the metropolis. There was a time when New York was overflowing with underground venues devoted to the tradition. But through the years, one after the other, lots of them disappeared. That night time, you might really feel what’s been lacking.

The performances mirrored that respect throughout generations. IDK, Denzel Curry, Treach of Naughty By Nature, Ice-T, and others carried out in entrance of a crowd that confirmed love equally. Everyone was revered. Everyone was acquired.

Visually, the night time carried much more weight. Jonathan Mannion, whose lens helped outline DMX on the top of his profession, had his iconic photos splashed throughout the screens, stage, and merchandise. It gave the room an actual sense of who X was whereas he was nonetheless right here. Johnny Nunez was additionally in the home capturing moments all through the night time, together with our photographer Tee. Heck, I used to be documenting every part too with my novice eye. We all knew it was historic.

The actual star of the present was DMX’s power. Energy doesn’t disappear, it transfers. It lives on by the individuals, the music and the moments that deliver us collectively. While DMX is now not right here in bodily kind, watching his household, associates and followers multi functional place – out of affection – was one of the vital lovely issues I’ve skilled in a very long time.

It wasn’t sorrowful. It wasn’t unhappy. It wasn’t even somber.

It was a joyful reunion. It was celebratory. It was Hip-Hop in its purest kind—a reminder of resilience, tradition, and spirit. DMX didn’t simply get honored that night time.

He was felt.

And that’s perpetually.

Desiree Lindstrom, DMX’s fiancée 

Alicia Keys pulled as much as SOBs all smiles (Photo: Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur)

X’s household stored the night time energized

Ice-T and Desiree flick it up

AHH’s Chuck Jigsaw Creekmur, Grafh and Dupree paid respects to DMX

Treach of Naughty By Nature fame is takes pics with Grafh (above) and Jigsaw and Slops of AllHipHop (under)

Jigsaw, Denzel Curry and IDK – each carried out at SOBs

Denzel Curry

ScarLip and Jigsaw

Original DMX producer Dame Grease and Desiree Lindstrom

Rap Icon Melle Mel and Jigsaw

Swizz Beatz was the toast of the occasion

Photographer Jonathan Mannion confirmed up and in addition offered the pictures, as his iconic footage helped form how we noticed DMX (Photo: Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur)

Mickey Betson, Treach, Ice and Jigsaw stage proper

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