BET announced today that beloved rapper DMX will be honored with a special tribute at the 2021 “BET AWARDS.” 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 #1 debuts for his first five consecutive career albums, starting with his debut It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot (May 1998, with “Ruff Ryders Anthem”), then Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood (December 1998), … And Then There Was X (1999, with “Party Up (Up In Here)”), The Great Depression (2001, with “Who We Be”), and Grand Champ (2003, with his definitive anthem, “Where The Hood At?”). 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.
Connie Orlando, EVP Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy at BET will oversee The “BET Awards” 2021 and serve as Executive Producer along with Jesse Collins, CEO of Jesse Collins Entertainment.
