Thanks in part to the hit single “Party Up (Up in Here),” a staple at clubs across the world since its release in April 2000, the music of DMX may never be forgotten.

When longtime fan A.J. Jamison of Harlem was asked by NY1 to name his favorite DMX song, he started to sing a few lines from “Party Up.” 

Jamison says hip-hop music as we now know it would not have possible without the music and influence of DMX.

“DMX is hip hop!” said Jamison. “He’s a legend! He goes all the way back to the '90s. He took the rap to another level because he is so gifted and talented."

The rapper, whose real name was Earl Simmons, was born in 1970, just north of the Bronx, in Mount Vernon, NY. While he grew up in Yonkers, fans like Jamison and Lawrence Washington of the Upper East Side consider him one of their own.

“When you think of DMX, you gotta think of just New York,” said Jamison. “You can’t just place him in Yonkers because he’s so loved to everybody. He’s the kind of person that gives back. He could go back to the hood because he is hood!”

“I really really loved his music,” said Washington, “ ‘It’s Dark and Hell is Hot,’ that was my favorite album!”

DMX built a fan base all over New York by producing and selling his own mixtapes. Then in May of 1998 came his first album on a major label, which included the hip hop classic, “Ruff Ryders’ Anthem.”

That album sold more than 5 million copies and hit number 1 on the Billboard album chart.

DMX soon became the first artist with five consecutive albums debuting at the top spot.

While DMX’s music brought him wealth, fame and attention, his personal life and his personal struggles made headlines.

DMX fathered 15 children, and even after becoming a public figure, he served jail time and had numerous run-ins with the law after charges of assault, animal abuse, failure to pay child support and more.

In March 2018, the rapper broke even down in tears in court during sentencing for not paying $1.7 million dollars in taxes.

In an effort to get the judge to be lenient, the defense played DMX’s video “Slippin” in court. It’s about his abusive childhood at the hands of his parents and his very public battle with drugs.

During that trial, NY1’s Dean Meminger asked the rapped what he wanted to say to all of his fans.

“Thank you for all of your support!” DMX responded. “I won’t let you down.”

And now fans who had offered their support are mourning the loss of an icon.

“May God watch over him, and I pray for his family,” said Washington.

“It’s just sad to know a legend like that is going to be gone,” said Jamison. “We already lost 2Pac and Biggie. It’s sad to know DMX is not going to be around no more.”