Swizz Beatz Reflects On DMX's "Pain," Says His Death Still "Doesn't Feel Real"

BYErika MariePublished on January 24, 20231.9K Views

The Dean collection X Bacardi House Party

MIAMI, FL - DECEMBER 05: (L-R) Swizz Beatz and DMX attend Day 3 of The Dean collection X Bacardi House Party on December 5, 2015, in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)

Swizz knows what its like to lose friends to the streets, but when DMX passed, it was a different level of grief.

In the entertainment industry, it isn't always easy to find lifelong friends, but that's exactly what happened when Swizz Beatz and DMX were introduced. Despite the struggles DMX faced throughout his life, he always had a strong support system of family, friends, and fans who cheered him on. Sadly, the world lost X in April 2021, but in a new interview on Hotboxin' with Mike Tyson, Swizz reflected on his relationship with the beloved star.

"For me, every since I known DMX, he was like, always in pain," said Swizz. "Since I was a kid."

Read More: Funk Flex Calls On Swizz Beatz To Drop Unreleased DMX Songs

"And so, I just know he's in a better place now," the megaproducer continued. "He came to me in a dream, the whole thing. I was definitely on a mission. Losing a brother so close, it just—I never felt that before."

Swizz added that he has "lost a lot of people to the streets," but grieving the loss of DMX remains difficult to reconcile.

"Still, 'til this day sitting on this couch talking about it, it don't feel real to me," he said.

NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 5: (L to R) Producer Swizz Beatz and Rapper DMX wait for direction on stage at Busta Rhymes Star Studded "Touch it" the remix music video for Interscope record label, at Kiss the Cactus Stage in the Greenpoint section of Brooklyn just before the shooting of Rhymes bodyguard Israel Ramirez on February 5, 2006 in the Brooklyn borough of New York city. (Photo by Kristy Leibowitz/Getty Images)

Read More: Swizz Beatz Shares Favorite Videos Of DMX On Late Rapper’s Birthday

In the Spring of 2021, DMX was hospitalized as speculation regarding his medical condition ran rampant. His family and friends were by his side as he sought care, but later, it was announced that the rapper had passed away.

A cause of death has been reported as a heart attack brought on by drug use. DMX was always candid about his struggles and recovery pertaining to his addictions. Following his passing, the world celebrated his life and accomplishments in solidarity.

Watch the clip of Swizz Beatz above and check out his full interview with Hotboxin' below.

About The Author

Erika Marie is a seasoned journalist, editor, and ghostwriter who works predominantly in the fields of music, spirituality, mental health advocacy, and social activism. The Los Angeles editor, storyteller, and activist has been involved in the behind-the-scenes workings of the entertainment industry for nearly two decades. E.M. attempts to write stories that are compelling while remaining informative and respectful. She's an advocate of lyrical witticism & the power of the pen. Favorites: Motown, New Jack Swing, '90s R&B, Hip Hop, Indie Rock, & Punk; Funk, Soul, Harlem Renaissance Jazz greats, and artists who innovate, not simply replicate.

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