US rapper DMX's legacy has been immortalised as a man beloved by his family, honoured for his strong faith and respected as one of hip-hop's greatest icons at his memorial service, with several heartfelt speeches from those who knew him best.
The speakers included friends Swizz Beatz and Nas, as well as his daughter, who rapped in honour of her father.
Kanye West and Busta Rhymes were among the big names who attended the two-hour ceremony at the Barclays Center in New York.
The service at the Brooklyn arena was closed to the public and restricted to close friends and family because of the coronavirus pandemic.
In a touching moment, DMX's 15 children gathered on stage to talk - and sometimes rap - about the star as a father who taught them such lessons as "always say thank you," "be kind to everyone" and that being afraid can sometimes show a person how to be brave.
Relatives emphasised his love of Jesus and his drive to make his fans happy, giving audiences the best show he could every time.
Before the service, a massive black big-wheel truck with the words "LONG LIVE DMX" on a side of the vehicle carried DMX's shiny red casket for more than 15 miles from Yonkers, New York - where the rapper grew up - to the Barclays Center.
A plethora of motorcycles trailed the truck during the procession before arriving at the arena, where thousands of people crowded the streets.
Thousands of motorcycle riders surrounded the monster truck, revving up their engines. Others gathered at the arena while some of DMX's biggest songs from Where The Hood At and Ruff Ryders' Anthem blared from the crowd's speakers.
DMX, whose birth name was Earl Simmons, died on April 9 after suffering a "catastrophic cardiac arrest".
He spent several days on life support after being rushed to a New York hospital from his home on April 2.
DMX arrived on the rap scene around the same time as Jay-Z, Ja Rule and others who dominated the charts and emerged as platinum-selling acts. They were all part of rap crews, too: DMX fronted the Ruff Ryders collective, which had success on the charts and on radio with its Ryde Or Die compilation albums.
Along with his musical career, DMX paved his way as an actor. He starred in Belly and appeared in 2000's Romeo Must Die with Jet Li and Aaliyah.
DMX's funeral service will be held on Sunday.
Australian Associated Press
