Swizz Beatz Explains Airing Out Frustrations At Memorial For DMX

BY Erika Marie 33.0K Views
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Swizz Beatz, DMX,
On stage, Swizz took a moment to address people who were quick to post photos & videos of X but weren't around when he was struggling.

Often, artists speak about the love that they have for one another or take to social media to give those that they admire their "flowers," but sincerity is difficult to come by in the music industry. There have been plenty of stories shared over the years about snakes, sharks, scammers, and double-dealers, but sometimes, two artists come together to form a lifelong bond like Swizz Beatz and DMX.

The world suffered a tremendous loss when DMX passed away, and Swizz stood by the rapper's side until the end. The pair have referred to one another as brothers, and during X's memorial service, Swizz addressed those who hurried to get their exclusive passes to DMX's funeral but were absent when he was hurting.

It was a moving moment that has been viewed online by millions in the weeks that have passed, and during his recent interview with Angie Martinez, Swizz explained why he decided to speak up. He said that fans had shown DMX "a lot of love," but it was "the other love he was looking for and I don't think he got a lot of" it.

“And that’s what made me want to say what I said at his homegoing because I was dealing with a lot of that on the other side," said Swizz. "And I was with X a lot. Especially even recently, back to back. So, I was very current in his life and understanding where he was at and what he was going through. And so, when I started seeing things, as his brother, naturally, it just bothered me. I couldn't help but say what I said. And I meant what I said."

Angie wanted to know if Swizz was referring to industry people or other artists. "Friends, family members, business members, you name it. There's a bucket of those people that I was talking to because they all got they different things with him. I got to see all sides. It's just like, a lot of people just always wanna take advantage at the wrong time. I don't like none of that."

Swizz was then praised for being a genuine, authentic friend to DMX throughout his triumphs and trials, but the megaproducer graciously thanked Angie for the compliments but added he was just doing what he was supposed to do. Watch Swizz Beatz chop it up with Angie Martinez below.

About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.