I debated about posting a social media tribute to DMX after hearing about his passing last week. Although his music and movies were part of my childhood, I didn’t want to be ingenuine.
As a 90s baby, I grew up hearing my older cousins blast DMX’s songs, and I had a few favorites of my own (Ruff Ryders’ Anthem!). I loved imitating his iconic barking, watching him and my beloved Aaliyah in “Come Back in One Piece,” and even dancing with my mom as she played “Party Up (Up in Here)” when my siblings and I made her lose her mind.
But I haven’t truly listened to DMX since high school, and except for the occasional—usually negative—headline, I haven’t kept up with the rapper.
However, ever since my husband told me that DMX had a heart attack and wasn’t in good condition, it seemed like his presence was as close to me as when I was growing up.
I remember researching the conflicting information on his status and fervently praying for DMX after I learned doctors planned to test his brain activity. Unfortunately, some of my family members have been declared brain dead after traumatic events, so I know all too well how this diagnosis usually plays out.
“Please, Lord, spare his life,” I had prayed. “He is only 50; so young. Please miraculously heal his body and let him fully recover.”
On April 9th, it saddened me to discover that God had other plans.
I saw the many tributes for DMX and enjoyed a “dance” down memory lane as I heard some of his greatest hits. But still, I didn’t feel right about posting my condolences and prayers for his family because DMX was part of my childhood memories and not my present experiences.
But today I came across a YouTube video that said “DMX Last Video Alive Before His Death.” I took the possible clickbait since I’ve been reminiscing for the past week. And watching this encouraged me to share a few thoughts about him.
In the video, DMX is talking about our desires being aligned with God’s will and how we need to learn to pray for ourselves. He reads a lot from Ecclesiastes, and around the 6:10 mark, he says:
Whoever hasn’t given their life to Jesus yet . . . whoever hasn’t surrendered all the way. There may be some of y’all who don’t know how . . . I’m gonna walk you through that right now.
And he did just that. DMX asked those who were serious about giving their lives to Jesus to repeat after him and 1) confess their sins 2) repent and 3) accept Jesus as their savior.
Seeing this moved me to tears because it demonstrated how God can truly use anyone for His glory. No matter if you’ve reached the highest success or have hit rock bottom, God can use you to bring someone else to Christ. Like DMX, you may have had a tough upbringing, broke records in the music industry, have worldwide fame, and even battled with addictions and behaviors that didn’t always represent Christ, but God can still use you for His glory.
God can do anything through anyone, as long as the person is willing to be used.
Watching this video also made me think about the familiar adage you’ll never see a u-haul behind a hearse. This is a common exhortation for us to not place so much value in materialistic things that we cannot take with us upon leaving this earth. Scripture even warns us of the futility of storing up earthly treasures versus heavenly ones.
We often think of accomplishments, wealth, and possessions being what won’t matter after we take our final breaths. But seeing DMX’s possible final recorded words opened my eyes to another truth.
DMX was a complex human being. He experienced much affliction throughout his life while also reaching heights that many of us will never experience. He knew what it felt like to suffer and cause suffering. He encouraged others and rapped lyrics that were far from encouraging. He experienced wealth and multiple bankruptcies.
But now that he’s no longer on this earth, none of that matters more than the fact that he knew Jesus.
You won’t see a u-haul filled with wealth and material possessions following a hearse, and I thank God that for those who believe in Jesus Christ—DMX included—you also won’t see one carrying every mistake, betrayal, bad decision, and sinful act either.
When a celebrity or public figure passes, news stories often reflect upon their “troubled past,” and DMX’s untimely death has been no different. And it’s unfortunate that oftentimes someone’s struggles or poor decisions outshine their accomplishments.
But the Good News is that as long as you know Jesus, the past will not matter. Yes, we will all stand before God when our time comes, but I am so grateful that on that day, believers will be able to look to their side and see Jesus standing right next to them.
Toward the end of the video, DMX reflected on how we’ve lost a lot of people and it hurts because we won’t see them again. Of course, he couldn’t have known how so many would soon hurt from the thought of not being able to see him again.
But DMX also reminded viewers that the Word says those who have died are better off than we are. “We’re suffering,” he said, referring to those of us still living. I’m glad that DMX no longer has to suffer, and I hope he can rest peacefully knowing that by deciding to share the gospel—not just in that “final” video but throughout his life and career—he has undoubtedly helped others for the better.
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Photo credit: Sports Illustrated