Rare video of DMX’s debut performance at Harlem’s renowned Apollo Theater from 25 years ago has been uncovered by Swizz Beatz while searching through his vaults.
The late rap legend performing his hit track “Ruff Ryders’ Anthem” at his Apollo debut in July 1998 is captured in clips from the “magical” event that the Ruff Ryders producer shared on Friday (June 9).
Apollo Zone DMX! Our first time performing on that stage was wonderful! At the time, I was X’s DJ and producer, and together we created something truly magical. I still cry everytime I hear Stop Drop Real Talk, my brother @dmx, long live,” Swizz wrote in the caption of an Instagram photo.
The Survival of the Illest Tour, which featured Def Jam artists and was fronted by X after the release of his chart-topping debut album It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot, had its final stop at the Apollo Theater in 1998.
Even during his first run for office, DMX would finish his emotionally charged performance with a prayer to unite the crowd and move some audience members to tears.
Director of the documentary for the Harlem tour stop Rick Mordecon told The Ringer in 2021, “It was the most cohesive, beautiful, emotional experience.” By the end of that concert, I was in tears.
Many DMX admirers expressed their adoration in Swizz’s comment area, including Fat Joe and Fivio Foreign, and Canadian rapper Preme acknowledged that “X was the N-gga that made me rap no [cap].”
Swizz Beatz recently pondered on the multi-platinum song, which celebrated its 25th anniversary last month. Despite the fact that it still makes him cry, “Ruff Ryders’ Anthem0” still does.
In a different Instagram post, he noted that “my life changed forever 25yrs ago on this Day, May 5th 1998.” “Ruff Ryders Roll like That! The Ruff Ryders Anthem was released on May 5, 1998. Can you believe DMX lighted up our screens with his Mega talent 25 years ago?! @hiphop50 Live long, my brother @dmx! General Over Everything @waahdean, Ruff Ryders for Life.
When it was first released in May 1998, “Ruff Ryders’ Anthem” reached a high of No. 93 on the Billboard Hot 100, but after DMX’s untimely passing in April 2021, it reached a new high of No. 16.
