Corrections and clarifications: An earlier version of this story included a comment that was attributed to the DMX estate.
A New York-based bishop plans to honor hip-hop icon DMX in a service over the weekend to “posthumously hold an ordination” for the late rapper.
The event is being led by Bishop Osiris Imhotep of the Gospel Cultural Center, who said it will serve as a “symbolic gesture” in a phone interview with USA TODAY on Friday, Jan. 9.
DMX, real name Earl Simmons, died after suffering a heart attack in 2021, sending shockwaves through hip-hop and fans around the world.
Osiris’ upcoming gathering has been widely reported by several outlets and, unbeknownst to him, went viral on social media. He said it’s now set to take place on Saturday, Jan. 10, at 3 p.m. ET at Christ Episcopal Church in Westchester County, about 30 miles from Manhattan, after the initial venue fell through.
“We’re not doing this in conjunction with the estate,” Osiris said, adding that he has been in contact with some family members. “It’s not a money grab. It’s not a political grab. This is community service honoring Earl ‘DMX’ Simmons, simple. It’s a religious service.”
DMX included his faith in his music
DMX is highly regarded for his legendary contributions to hip-hop in the 1990s and 2000s. In his work and throughout his career, the rap star spoke unabashedly about his upbringing, his struggles with addiction, and most notably, his faith.
His multi-platinum selling 1998 debut album, “It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot,” includes a “Prayer (Skit)” where he openly talks to God, “I come to you hungry and tired, you give me food and let me sleep/ I come to you weak, you give me strength and that’s deep/ You call me a sheep and lead me to green pastures/ Only asking that I keep the focus in between the chapters.”
Osiris said DMX’s 2006 song, “Lord Give Me a Sign,” resonated with him.
“I really loved his ministry, and it inspired me to do my thesis on hip-hop pastoral care, his life, his songs, his struggles, his family,” he said. “We recognize his ministerial status as a true faith-given individual.”
In an interview on “The Breakfast Club” in 2016, the “Slippin’” emcee revealed his aspirations to become a pastor: “Maybe I am already, I don’t know, but that’s definitely the final destination or a destination,” DMX said. “You never know how far God is going to allow me to get or how much he’s going to let me do or how many people he’s going to allow me to reach.”
‘Earl was a warrior’
DMX died at the age of 50 at a hospital in White Plains, New York, in April 2021.
“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,” his family wrote in a statement at the time.
Shortly before his death, he made headlines after participating in a Verzuz battle with Snoop Dogg in 2020, where he kicked off the highly anticipated face-off with a prayer in front of tens of thousands of viewers.
DMX also went viral that year for holding a Bible study on Instagram Live. “There are no words more powerful than the book,” he said during the live.
(This story has been updated with new information.)
Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at [email protected].
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