EPIC! The night I met DMX and the Ruff Ryders

“I believed in myself, and I knew what I was capable of.” — DMX

The loss of DMX, who is one of the most influential, talented and passionate artists in music, hits hard.

I want to share this experience meeting him and the Ruff Ryders that stays with me to this day.

For those who know me, know I’m a lover of Hip Hop. I’ve always wanted to work in music. I was actually in a group back in college, and I became the negotiator. I arranged our performances and meetings with record labels and management.

When the Ruff Ryders were set to perform in Houston, it was a wrap!

That night, I found the right person, introduced myself and those with me. The meeting was booked, and the next thing we know we were permitted to roll into the arena with The LOX! Yo!

By the way, those brothers were respectful, gentlemen and allowed us to get inside the SUV first.

We were escorted backstage with everyone else.

There was so much energy in that place, and being allowed to share the same space as Eve, Drag-On, The LOX, Swizz Beatz …and yes DMX, was surreal!

We watched the entire show from front row + backstage! Periodically, I checked in with those I was set to meet with.

Hands down, Ruff Ryders gave the greatest performances! Everyone left it all on the stage! They introduced elements that changed the landscape forever!

I can’t recall exactly who this was in the cage, but that’s my point! EPIC! The entire arena went crazy!

When it was time for DMX to hit the stage…all of the lights went out, and all you heard was that growl… It. Was. OVERRR! The energy that he brought to the stage was unlike anything I’ve ever witnessed. UNREAL! UNMATCHED!

He was magnetic + authentic. He connected with every single person, as you can see from the photo! He brought the show to you no matter where you were standing!

He was doing what he loved and he gave his all to his art and to the crowd!