Method Man, The LOX and Griselda Lead Powerful DMX Tribute at the 2021 BET Awards

The LOX, Method Man and more hip-hop greats took the stage at the 2021 BET Awards tonight (June 27) to pay tribute to the late rap icon DMX, performing a medley of the Ruff Ryders superstar’s biggest hits.

Beginning with Method Man performing an a cappella version of DMX’s breakout 1998 single “Get at Me Dog,” the Wu-Tang Clan rapper introduced the Griselda crew — who performed their X collab “Hood Blues” from his posthumous album Exodus, and then a bit from his 2003 hit “Where the Hood At?” That was followed by actor Michael K. Williams appearing in a trademark DMX look with just a black A-shirt, camo pants and a chain, performing bits from turn-of-the-century X classics including “Slippin” and “What’s My Name.”

Then the Swizz Beatz and the LOX took center stage to do the 1999 remix version of DMX’s signature shout-along “Ruff Ryders Anthem,” and finally, Busta Rhymes took the mic to lead all involved in a rendition of the rapper’s first Hot 100 top 40 hit, 2000’s “Party Up (Up in Here).” The performance concluded with an excerpt from “The Prayer IV,” a spoken-word interlude off 2001’s The Great Depression, as everyone on stage threw up the “X” sign.

DMX died in April at age 50, after experiencing organ failure stemming from a heart attack. His posthumous album Exodus was released on May 28, and debuted at No. 8 on the Billboard 200 albums chart.