DMX's Memorial Will Be Live Streamed From The Barclays Center On April 24

Fans will have the chance to remember and celebrate the life of DMX next week–but only friends and family will be in attendance in person.

Source: Theo Wargo / Getty

The hip-hop legend is going to be honored by his family and friends at the Barclays Center on April 24. While early reports from TMZ initially said that fans would be in attendance and ticketing was being worked out, that plan ended up changing pretty quickly. 

A source involved in the planning of the event told the publication that a decision had been made to close the event to the public, limiting it to close friends and family. The arena, which can seat 19,000, is only permitted 10% capacity–but luckily, the memorial will be live-streamed. DMX’s family and loved ones will attend a more private funeral service at a church in the New York area the following day on Sunday, April 25.

DMX is a New York legend, so it’s only right he be honored in the city he loved so much. Yonkers Mayor, Mike Spano, welcomed the idea of the family using Yonkers Raceway for the service, since X grew up in the city, and there are still plans for DMX to be remembered there, too. Plus, Spano told TMZ they’ve considered possible plans for a statue or street name.

The rapper’s memorial at the Barclays Center will mark just over 2 weeks since X died following complications from a drug overdose, which left him on life support for a week. He was 50. DMX’s family shared a statement to ET after his death, telling fans that the rapper had “fought till the very end.”

“We are deeply saddened to announce today that our loved one, DMX, birth name of Earl Simmons, passed away at 50-years-old at White Plains Hospital with his family by his side after being placed on life support for the past few days,” the statement read.

“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. Please respect our privacy as we grieve the loss of our brother, father, uncle and the man the world knew as DMX.”