Did DMX’s favourite song of all time show his true colours?
DMX’s career was sadly cut short when, in 2021, the rapper died from a drug overdose. As an emcee, DMX exploded onto the scene in the late 1990s and was immediately one of the most revered musicians. When he put out his debut album, It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot, in 1998, it propelled him to critical and commercial acclaim, selling no fewer than 251,000 copies within its first week of release.
DMX was an unparalleled force in hip-hop during his heyday. With his menacing, gravelly delivery and unmatched energy, the Yonkers artist most certainly turned heads when he first emerged. However, behind his hard exterior was a kind-hearted human being.
As well as being kind-hearted, DMX was a man of deep faith. At the end of all his live performances, the musician would finish in tears and, with his palms facing upwards, would lead the crowd in prayer.
Although his music was raw and unapologetic, the Yonkers legend regularly showed an unashamed love for God, with the acceptance and knowledge that he was leading a decidedly ungodly life. From Psalms to Bible verses, while he was not a Christian rapper in name, he was in spirit.
This was undoubtedly a part of his character that fans rarely saw. DMX could be looked at as a Jekyll and Hyde figure, although there was a raw, angry, and intimidating aura surrounding him, while in the studio writing songs, he often sought to convert those who had lost touch with religion and give them hope.
At the centre of religion are forgiveness and love and although these may not be the focus of albums such as Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood DMX had a lot of kindness and love in his heart and, while working with Alicia Keys, a video of the rapper surfaced.
The black-and-white footage shows the ‘Ruff Ryders Anthem’ lyricist singing along while Alicia Keys performs a cover of Donny Hathaway’s 1971 track ‘A Song For You’. As Keys finishes gliding her fingers on the piano, DMX seems evidently moved by the song.
You can watch the footage of DMX and Alicia Keys in the video below.