BET has announced that beloved rapper DMX will be honored with a special tribute at the 2021 BET Awards, set to air Sunday, June 27 at 8:00 PM, ET/PT.
The tribute is being curated by producer Swizz Beatz, who had a longstanding friendship with the late musician, and will include standout performances from Busta Rhymes, Method Man, Swizz Beatz, Griselda, and a special appearance by Michael K. Williams. BET will celebrate the life and music of DMX from his early beginnings with iconic hip hop label, Ruff Ryders to now by debuting a new song from DMX’s upcoming posthumous album, Exodus.
“We look forward to celebrating DMX’s indelible mark in music and pop culture. DMX inspired fans around the world with his signature raspy voice, the delivery of raw emotion through his lyrics and performances, and his giving spirit. We are proud to pay our respects to a hip-hop legend on our biggest stage, the BET Awards,” said Connie Orlando, Executive Vice President of Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy.
Video choreographer and R&B and hip hop veteran Fatima Robinson will act as creative director and the tribute will include some of DMX’s iconic hits:
Slippin’
Party Up
What’s My Name?
Where the Hood At?
MY N**** / X Gon’ Give It to Ya
Get at Me Dog
Ruff Ryders’ Anthem
DMX Prayer
As reported in Billboard, Yonkers, New York native DMX sold more than 74 million records worldwide in his lifetime and amassed 14x-platinum RIAA certifications in the U.S. alone. DMX continues to hold the unique distinction of being the only artist in history to enter both the Billboard 200 and Top R&B/Hip-Hop charts with No.1 debuts for his first five consecutive career albums.
Themes of redemption weave throughout Exodus, the first Def Jam album by DMX in 18 years, since 2003’s Grand Champ. The new album shares its name with DMX’s son Exodus Simmons. The album artwork is by original photographer Jonathan Mannion, who captured some of the most iconic images of DMX throughout his career.