If his music was the gritty sound of the streets, then DMX was the gentleman of the people.
News of the rapper's death on Friday resulted in a chorus of online tributes from music and Hollywood stars, but fans also got in on it by sharing their own person experiences with DMX, real name Earl Simmons.
This ranged from a heart-warming exchange on a flight to a memorably generous gesture at a low-key diner.
Add to that his knack for surprising the public – including showing up to an Albanian wedding in Kosovo and doing an impromptu rendition of a Christmas standard as part of a radio appearance – DMX built a cult following in part to his cool demeanour and kindness towards his fans.
Here are few examples of how hip-hop’s hardman was all heart.
1. He made a daughter’s graduation celebrations perfect
When news broke that DMX was taken to hospital last Sunday after suffering a heart attack at home, Jenny Fraser posted a Twitter thread recalling a 2016 chance meeting with the artist on a flight to San Diego.
On the way to her daughter's graduation and upgraded to first class, Fraser recalled suddenly finding herself sitting beside the Let Me Fly rapper on board.
They struck up a deep conversation and DMX even played for her an unreleased song.
"We discussed race and his incarceration. He was so authentic and candid,” Fraser wrote.
“He went to get something else from his handler. He returned with another phone and played a song about his grandmother who raised him. It wasn’t yet released but it was recorded with John Legend.”
After the flight, DMX invited Fraser and daughter to watch the show from the stage itself.
“DMX is a talented artist, a loving father and a kind soul,” she concluded.
“I hope they release the song about his grandmother, I remember it being very different and personal.”
2. He surprised a wedding in Kosovo
While on tour in Kosovo in 2013, DMX was invited to a wedding in capital Pristina.
Not only did he show up, he joined the wedding party on the dance floor and danced along to traditional tunes.
3. He always had time for his fans
For Twitter user Riscie, a chance encounter with DMX while working in an airport was a moment to savour.
This was not only down to their joint picture, but for the genuine affection DMX had for his fans. Even on the run, she says, the star made fans feels special.
“Years ago when I worked at the airport DMX was flying out,” she said.
“I was standing off to the side taking pictures of him when he looked my way, which freaked me out so I said, ‘can I take a picture of you?’, and he says ‘no, but you can take a picture with me.' Awesome memory."
4. He settled the bill for all the patrons at a diner
In a 2019 interview hip-hop radio show The Breakfast Club, producer and close collaborator Swizz Beatz recalled that after a dinner in a low-key diner in the US, DMX quietly paid the bill for all customers and left.
“He said that ‘God told me to pay for everybody’s food',” Swizz Beatz said. “And the ill part was that we were the only black people in that restaurant.”
Listen from 22.40 of the YouTube video for the full story.
5. He made a Christmas classic his own
It was supposed to be a bit of a joke, but when DMX was asked in a 2012 radio appearance if he would sing the Christmas song Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, he did it with aplomb.
DMX brought his signature gravelly drawl and barks to this seasonal classic. The song went on to become a mini-viral sensation and confirmed even further DMX’s standing as a hip-hop legend.
