A vigil for DMX was held outside White Plains Hospital in New York where hundreds of people gathered to support the iconic rapper in prayer. Each person fully conscious that one of Hip Hop’s most enigmatic artist was close to death. A crowd of people put their hands in the air, showing the signature “X” sign in solidarity and shouting, “D—M—X!”

“Either let me fly or give me death, let my soul rest, take my breath—If I don't fly, I'll die anyway, I’ll live on, but I'll be gone any day,” said DMX on the song “Let Me Fly.”

Earl Simmons, globally known as DMX, died Friday morning, April 9. He was 50-years-old. Simmons experienced a massive heart attack and spent his final days on life support; reports say that his heart attack was “triggered” by a drug overdose.

A tragic close to the life of an artist who is considered one of the great song writers. Tragically, a brilliant talent, a genius, who likely, fell victim to drug addiction.

Simmons was in and out of group homes as a kid, which led to him being caught in the street life. As an adolescent, he committed robberies, he stole cars, and even stole dogs in search of love.

 At age 14, Simmons’ life changed when he beatboxed for older rapper, Ready Ron at age 14. “Blessed with a curse” he often said of himself, evoking past childhood traumas and using his life experiences as a source for inspiration.

“I’m not an industry artist, I am an artist in the industry,” said DMX at Def Poetry. “The industry … wanted dead or alive! New artists sell their souls in the way they survive. The industry … don’t give a f*** about you! The industry … couldn’t make a dime without you.”

In 1991, Hip Hop magazine, The Source, wrote a column on DMX, highlighting him as one of the top unsigned Hip Hop artists; and soon after, DMX collaborated with Ja Rule and Jay-Z for Mic Geronimo's song "Time to Build."

DMX recorded songs from 1996 to 1998 for his debut album. He did songs with Hip Hop artists such as—The LOX, Mase, Lil’ Kim, and LL Cool J’s classic record “4,3,2,1.”

In 1999, a sea of 400,000 people surrounds a stage, while actress, Rosie Perez announces, “Hip Hop is coming to Woodstock! Are you ready? Here we go, D—M—X!”

The massive crowd explodes, mosh-pits open up, bodies are launched into the air, flocks of fans crowd surf, women freely go topless while sitting on someone’s shoulders just to see the stage, all waiting for DMX.

It’s the Woodstock ’99 music festival in Rome, New York. A hot summer’s day with heat so oppressive it reached above 100-degrees.

The crowd hears, “What!” Then, DMX rushes the stage like a dog that hasn’t had a meal in days, growling at the mic, “Come through, run through—Gun who? Oh, you don’t know what the gun do? Some do, those that know are real quiet.”

“It’s Dark and Hell is Hot,” DMX’s debut album, with songs like “Get at me Dog,” “N****z Done Started Something,” and the “Ruff Ryders Anthem,” which sold 250,000 copies its first week to eventually go multi-platinum.

X’s second studio album, “Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood,” was released less than one year later and sold over 600,000 copies in his first week.

For a moment, DMX was the only artist alive to have two different number one albums in the same year. Since then, 2Pac, Led Zeppelin, Jay-Z, Garth Brooks, and System of a Down have joined this rare milestone.

“See, to live is to suffer, but to survive; well, that's to find meaning in the suffering,” said DMX in the intro of the song “Slippin,” the first single from his second studio album, “Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood.”

DMX’s subsequent albums “And Then There Was X” and “The Great Depression” were regarded as instant classics. The album produced worldwide hits like “Party Up,” “What’s My Name,” and “We Right Here.”

In his prime, DMX was the hottest artist in the world. He starred in a string of unforgettable box office films, such as, “Belly” (1999), “Romeo Must Die” (2000), “Exit Wounds” (2001), and “Cradle 2 the Grave” (2003). Despite the rags to riches success, Dark Man X’s demons would follow him along the way. Having had many career and personal setbacks because of drug addiction.

“The Snake, the rat, the cat, the dog, how you gon' see them if you living in the fog,” said DMX in the song, “Damien.” A song that portrays DMX’s conversation with Satan, verbalizing a deep introspection of fighting his personal demons; as if he was the one trying to escape a dark fog.

DMX’s fifth and final album on Def Jam titled “Grand Champ” was released in 2003, and had big hits like "Where the Hood At?" and "Get It on the Floor,” produced by longtime producer Swizz Beatz. The album also featured artists like Kanye West, 50 Cent, Jadakiss, Eve, and Patti LaBelle. It debuted number 1 on the Billboard top 200 charts and sold over 300,000 copies in the U.S.—it’s first week.

DMX was arrested multiple times and has made headlines throughout his career, mostly for his odd antics and cocaine abuse.

“Wasn't long before I hit rock bottom. Like damn, look how that rock got him. Open like a window no more Indo look at a video, saying to myself that could've been you on the TV,” said DMX in “Slippin.”

It was two in a half years since his last release. Commonly misunderstood, X released his sixth studio album called “Year of the Dog... Again” to reestablish his road to salvation. "Lord Give Me a Sign" and "We in Here” were released as the album’s lead singles for DMX’s first studio album released on Ruff Ryders Entertainment, Sony Urban Music, and Columbia Records. The music was heavily about his relationship with God, quoting scriptures, and fighting his demons with the word of God.

DMX said in his opening verse in “Lord Give Me a Sign,” “Devil I rebuke you, for what I go through, been trying to make me do, what I used to, what!”

Throughout his career, DMX collaborated with music acts like Mary J. Blige, Jay-Z, LL Cool J, The Lox, Eve, Snoop Dogg, Bono, Faith Evans, Ice Cube, Eminem, and many others. He has shared the big screen with actors like Jet Li, Steven Seagal, Gabrielle Union, Chris Rock, and of course the late R&B singer, Aaliyah.

In 2016, DMX stopped breathing and had no pulse after suffering a drug overdose in a Westchester, New York parking lot. Luckily, DMX became “semiconscious” and was rushed to a nearby hospital.

However, his battle with drugs was long from over. “Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown,” especially, for someone who was one of the hottest artists on the planet.

DMX knew all the songwriting tools—key modulation, bridges, intros, and outros, and how to use them for maximum effect. DMX could write a cinematic verse about a robbery to a gospel spoken word set to sophisticated chord progressions.

If anything, his knack for a catchy mainstream crossover record like “Party” or “X Gon’ Give it to Ya” is underrated.

However, as he said to be “blessed with a curse.” What if the very thing that killed DMX was in parallel to the very thing that sparked his genius.

Before his death, DMX was prepared to make his comeback. He re-signed with his past label Def Jam, did various interviews, podcasts, reported to have a new album coming, and participated in an online Hip Hop battle “Verzuz,” against legendary act Snoop Dog.

During a February interview with the REVOLT series Drink Champs, the 50-year-old MC enthusiastically talked about his upcoming project, DMX said “I got Lil Wayne, I got Snoop [Dogg],” he said. “I got The LOX. I got Bono.” DMX’s longtime friend and producer, Swizz Beatz, whom DMX called a “magician” also influenced features from Alicia Keys and Usher.

Earl Simmons, Dark Man X, DMX dedicated his life to music, and then gave his life to God. A statement from the family said, “Earl was a warrior who fought till the very end.

He loved his family with all of his heart, and we cherish the times we spent with him… Earl’s music inspired countless fans across the world and his iconic legacy will live on forever. We appreciate all of the love and support during this incredibly difficult time.”

“So I pray that you open our eyes, Give us the anointing to recognize the devil and his lies… In Jesus' mighty name we have prayed, amen!” said DMX on his album “Year of the Dog… Again.”

Alcee Hastings was Florida’s first Black federal judge and fought a legendary battle for civil rights. In 1992, Hastings became Florida’s first Black congressman since the Civil War ended and served 15 terms in the U.S. House of Representatives.

After a battle with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer, the Democratic congressman died on Tuesday, April 6. He was 84.

“I am deeply saddened by the untimely passing of my friend and colleague, Rep. Hastings of Florida,” Texas Democratic Congressman Al Green wrote in an email to the Black Press and posted to Twitter.

“My prayers are with the Hastings family as well as Alcee’s staff, friends, and loved ones at this difficult time and in the days to come,” Congressman Green continued.

“You fought the good fight, dear brother.”

Bobby Henry, a longtime friend of Congressman Hastings and the 50-year-old Westside Gazette newspaper publisher in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, said he would miss the representative.

“Congressman Hastings has always been more than a person who held an office,” Henry stated.

“He epitomized what it meant to go through hell and come back again unscathed and to be better from it. His forte was how he made a common person feel extraordinary in the company of those who are considered to be the elite.”

Henry continued: “No matter where it was, as if we were the number one paper in the country, and he opened the door for us to be in the company of President Barack Obama and to receive an autographed copy of the President’s speech to the nation.

“He did so well to pass on to you what you are supposed to do for others, which is to make them feel great. He did that well.”

Congressman Hastings tirelessly advocated for minorities, women, and immigrants.

He served as vice-chair of the House Rules Committee in the 117th Congress.

Just one week ago, Hastings pushed President Joe Biden’s American Jobs Plan.

“The American Jobs Plan put forth by the Biden-Harris administration creates a robust avenue for progress and opportunity for all Americans,” Congressman Hastings noted.

“The plan will make a significant investment in broadband, while also investing in long-neglected areas of our infrastructure such as clean water to schools, housing, and childcare facilities to seniors’ and long-term care and veterans’ facilities.

“This plan will also create millions of good-paying, union jobs for the American people and provide support for our essential caregiving employees,” he stated.

In an interview with the Black Press ahead of last November’s elections, Hastings lashed out at former President Donald Trump’s claims that he’d done more for African Americans than anyone else. He also took issue with Republicans for trying to suppress voters.

“[Trump] said he’d done more for African Americans than anybody,” Hastings said, shaking his head. “I guess Sojourner Truth, Fanny Lou Hamer, Martin Luther King, and others must be turning over in their graves because they gave their lives so that we can have the precious rights that we have. Not it comes about that our voting rights are under attack. Sensible Americans, those who are really patriotic, make sure that everyone has the right to vote.”

Waters Statement on Passing of Congressman Alcee Hastings

LAWT News Service

This week, Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA), Chairwoman of the House Committee on Financial Services, issued the following statement following the death of Congressman Alcee Hastings of Florida.

“I am saddened by the passing of my longtime friend and colleague, Congressman Alcee Hastings, who was a vibrant Member of Congress that was dedicated to public service and doing good on behalf of his constituents. Congressman Hastings was not only a talented legislator, but a brilliant lawyer who lived a distinguished life of service.

When I think of Congressman Hastings, I think of someone who absolutely loved coming to work every day for his community, and I take solace in the fact that they so deeply loved him back. 

“First elected to Congress in 1992, Congressman Hastings’ work in the Congress is extensive and he took great pride in that. Rising to the role of Dean and Co-Chairman of the Florida Delegation, he sought out any opportunity that would allow him to better serve not only his constituents, but all Floridians. As Vice Chair of the Committee on Rules, he was extremely well versed on the Committee’s issues and he will undoubtedly be remembered as a strong Democrat who gave tremendous support to other Democrats who came before the Committee.

“Congressman Hastings was the kind of person who came to work and got the job done, and – not to mention, he did it in style, too. Over the years, I noticed that he would match his ties and socks, and when I would see him, I would always comment on his outfit and his skill for coordinating colors. In the midst of it all, we always found the time to share in laughter and joy and I will miss that dearly.

“To the Congressman’s family, friends, and beloved community, I extend my deepest and most heartfelt condolences. During this difficult time, let us find peace in the extraordinary life he lived and the incredible amount of good he did.”

CLYBURN MOURNS PASSING OF ­CONGRESSMAN ALCEE HASTINGS

LAWT News Service

U.S. House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn issued the following statement on the passing of U.S. Congressman Alcee Hastings:

“Today Florida lost a committed public servant and the nation lost a passionate patriot. We in the Congressional Black Caucus have lost a giant and I have lost a dear friend of more than 60 years.

“Alcee Hastings was a trailblazer throughout his career serving as Florida’s first Black federal judge and one of the first African Americans elected to Congress from Florida since the post-Civil War period.

“For nearly three decades, he represented his constituents with dignity, grace and an unwavering commitment to the fight for justice.

“I knew on the day we met as college students that he would make an indelible impact and I was right. It has been a privilege to know him as a trusted colleague, confidante and an invaluable member of our Whip organization.

“My sincerest thoughts and prayers are with his family, constituents and staff.”

Congressional Black Caucus Mourns the Passing of Congressman Alcee Hastings

LAWT News Service 

The Congressional Black Caucus is heartbroken and mourns the loss of our colleague and brother Congressman Alcee Hastings of Florida, a fearless fighter for his District and the people he loved and served as a lawyer, federal judge, and senior Member of the Florida Congressional Delegation. Alcee was a pioneer and leading voice in the fight for civil and voting rights.

First elected in 1992, Alcee Hastings was a longtime Member of the powerful House Committee on Rules and a strong voice within the CBC where he sat in “his seat” rarely missing meetings.

Congressman Hastings never forgot where he came from and continued to fight up until his last breath.

Diagnosed with Stage Four Pancreatic Cancer in 2018, Alcee brought his same indomitable fighting spirit to his battle against that devastating illness. 

Congressional Black Caucus Chairwoman Joyce Beatty said on behalf of the CBC, “While we mourn the loss of our brother, his life and legacy will continue to be a part of our power and our message and will serve as a motivation for those who will follow in his footsteps - as leaders, fighters and advocates who represent the best of what our nation has to offer.

Although there are no words to ease the sadness we are now feeling, there is solace in the remembrance of having been touched by such a giant.  

May his memory serve as a comfort to his loved ones and those who join us in mourning his passing. Rest well our dear brother...we’ll take it from here.”

Amber Ruffin is pure butter. I admit that until I was assigned this story, I knew nothing of Ms. Ruffin or her show — “The Amber Ruffin Show”

(https://www.peacocktv.com) but I am thankful and excited that such a strong, creative, opinionated, dedicated and utterly focused woman of color is shaking it up, doing her thing and getting paid, television money (i.e. stupid money) in her new late-night talk show.

I suggest that you download NBC’s app and watch (or listen) “The Amber Ruffin Show.”

I’d would describe her show as a very funny spin on the late-night talk format that highlights the week's news, mixing monologue, original music, and sketch.

What makes Ms. Ruffin so wonderfully unique? If I had to choose one attribute that stopped me cold, in awe, it would be the ability to dance through the English dictionary with the dexterity of a double-jointed circus performer. In short — “shortie” has the “it” factor that quelque chose de spécial that can’t be duplicated unless she’s cloned but that’s another conversation for another day.

But I digress. If you are anything like millions of folks, we’ve cut the “television” cord a while ago. But one of the reasons to download NBC’s app is to watch (or listen to) “The Amber Ruffin Show.”

Allow me to lean into Ms. Ruffin’s accomplishments of late. Let’s see, she was made the 2021 TIME100 Next List, TIME’s list of the next 100 most influential people in the world. Ruffin is a familiar face to viewers of NBC’s late-night lineup via her continued work as an Emmy Award-nominated writer and performer on “Late Night with Seth Meyers.” 

The Nebraska native started in improv and through hard work, is now living her dream. I find her story inspirational. Besides holding it down in the late-night talk show space, she’s co-written a Broadway musical version of Some Like It Hot and recently released her first book, You'll Never Believe What Happened to Lacey: Crazy Stories About Racism, with sister Lacey Lamar.

This young powerhouse could never be accused of being lazy because she continues writing and appearing on Late Night With Seth Meyers (when she joined in 2014, she was the first Black woman to write for a late-night talk show). 

She is also an Emmy and WGA Award nominated writer and performer for NBC’s “Late Night with Seth Meyers” and the first African American female to write for a late-night network talk show in the U.S.  

She wrote and performed on Comedy Central’s “Detroiters” and was a regular narrator on the cabler’s “Drunk History.” Ruffin was previously a performer at Boom Chicago in Amsterdam, the iO Theater and the Second City in Chicago.

In addition, she was a writer/performer for the 2018 and 2019 Golden Globe Awards and has written for the series “A Black Lady Sketch Show.”

Each week “The Amber Ruffin Show” showcases Amber’s signature smart and silly take on the week's news. No matter what's happening in the world, Amber responds to it with a charming mix of seriousness, nonsense, and evening gowns. The show is a topical late-night show with just the good parts – the comedy. Amber Ruffin, Jenny Hagel, Seth Meyers and Mike Shoemaker serve as executive producers.

The series is produced by Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group, and Sethmaker Shoemeyers Productions.

Here is what Amber Ruffin of the “The Amber Ruffin Show” (https://www.peacocktv.com) had to say about living her best life.

L.A. WATTS TIMES: Thank you, Amber Ruffin, of The Amber Ruffin Show on NBC for speaking with me. See how I got in all of my plugs, may I say, you are butter lady!

AMBER RUFFIN: (laughing) Thank you. 

LAWT: I loved listening, and watching your show. The writing is tremendous. What’s it like having your own show.

AR: It. Is. Very. FUN. I mean it’s really the dumbest fun you can have. When I don’t feel like having all this fun then I can write a show that was less fun and no one could tell me to cut it out — see what I’m saying?

LAWT: I do. I do. You are the crazy talented African American woman in charge.

You can’t see me, but I’m tipping my proverbial hat, to you along with a very regal bow. Next question. I love your monologues.

AR: Thank you.

LAWT: Do you write your monologues?

AR: Oh no. I have a team of writers.

LAWT: There are people funnier than you? Who are they?

AR: Our head writer is Jenny Hagel (@jennyhagel), she also writes for the Late Night with Seth Meyers. We also now have, writing the monologue, Ashely Nicole Black (@ashleyn1cole) from Full Frontal and A Black Lady Sketch Show, and Demi Adejuyigbe.

LAWT: That’s a name [Demi Adejuyigbe].

AR: (laughing) You will know him. Wait, he’s the guy that puts out a very goofy video every September 21st it was seven years ago, at this point. You should just Goggle.

LAWT: I did. https://www. youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5RotaksnqVMET5E2eFCSgrtQgDnszlQN

https://www.vulture.com/2020/09/demi-adejuyigbe-september-21-interview.html

AR: And then there is Evan Morgan, he’s also a writer from Late Night with Seth Meyers. So the four of them — almost always write the monologue. I almost never squeeze out a monologue joke.

LAWT: I also loved when you sang: Black Women Are Always Right. 

AR: (laughing) It’s a song that tells the truth.

LAWT: (singing) Black Women Are Always Right. But seriously, what I love about your show is that you make people laugh for sure — but there is education and that’s important.

AR: I wouldn’t have thought that people would have the capacity for this. There are arguments to be made, it’s not where these educational pieces go. It’s not a school it’s a comedy show but oddly enough it’s a real circle of a Venn diagram (https://www.investopedia.com/terms/v/venn-diagram.asp). People who like deep dives into legislation and people who like to see a bee in a tutu, who would have thought, it’s the same people. You know, it’s funny because I’m that person. You wouldn’t think there would be two of us.

LAWT: Three of us. 

AR: Gosh. There are a bunch of us.

LAWT: The sketch about the Black Forgiveness Clock. That was a beautiful piece of politics masked as comedy. https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=EbU0jRyG9nc

AR: That sketch made me laugh so hard when Demi [Adejuyigbe} brought it in.

LAWT: My favorite line that you’ve uttered — to date — is this: “I’m not saying burn it down, yet.”

AR: Yet (laughing). I can’t believe they let me say that.

LAWT: (laughing) I can’t believe it either. 

AR: They were like, write whatever you want to say. And I was like, ok, we will just write this in and know that we will have to take it out. But no. It stayed. No one cared. I said “we’re not going to burn it down, yet” — I said it.

LAWT: Before I let you go, can we talk about your very handsome side-kick, Tarik Davis. I mean, Amber he’s so very easy on the eyes.

AR: You know, Tarik has been my friend since 2003. We got cast together and worked at a theater in Amsterdam. I honestly forget that he’s so handsome.

LAWT: So you experience temporary blindness. Sorry. Please, continue.

AR: I’ve just known him so long, that I am used to the way he looks. But then when you see him on screen, I’m like ‘Oh, wow, yes. He’s a whole supermodel.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxej9nPf6TqFyfsiez1_P3w

https://www.peacocktv.com/stream-tv/the-amber-ruffin-show

Social media:

@amberruffin

@peacocktv