Swizz Beatz has dug into his vaults to unearth rare footage of DMX’s first performance at Harlem’s famed Apollo Theater 25 years ago.
The Ruff Ryders producer posted clips from the “magical” concert on Friday (June 9) capturing the late rap legend performing his hit single “Ruff Ryders’ Anthem” during his Apollo debut in July 1998.
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“DMX Apollo zone ! This was our 1st time on that stage it was magical ! I was X Dj and producer at that time We made magic that will never be forgotten! Long live my brother @dmx I still cry when I hear Stop Drop real talk,” Swizz captioned his Instagram post.
The Apollo Theater was the final stop on 1998’s Survival of the Illest Tour, which served as a showcase of Def Jam artists and was headlined by X following the release of his chart-topping debut album It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot.
Even during his rookie campaign, DMX would end his emotional rollercoaster of a performance with a prayer to bring everyone together in unison and some to tears.
“It was the most cohesive, beautiful, emotional experience,” Rick Mordecon, who was hired to direct the documentary for the Harlem tour stop, told The Ringer in 2021. “I was crying by the end of that concert.”
Fat Joe and Fivio Foreign were among the many DMX fans who showed love in Swizz’s comment section, while Canadian rapper Preme admitted that “X was the N-gga that made me rap no [cap].”
While “Ruff Ryders’ Anthem0” still brings a tear to Swizz Beatz’s eye, he recently reflected on the multi-platinum hit, which celebrated its 25th anniversary last month.
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“25yrs ago on this Day May 5th 1998 my life changed forever,” he wrote in a separate Instagram post. “That’s how Ruff Ryders Roll! On May 5th 1998 Ruff Ryders Anthem dropped. Can you believe 25 years ago, DMX lit up our screens with his Mega talent !! @hiphop50 Long Live my brother @dmx !!!! Ruff Ryders for Life @waahdean @general_over_everything.”
Released in May 1998, “Ruff Ryders’ Anthem” initially peaked at No. 93 on the Billboard Hot 100, but soared to a new high of No. 16 following DMX’s untimely death in April 2021.
