DMX’s ‘Slippin’ Was Part Of My Pre-Game Routine, Says NBA Championship Coach

On Friday, new broke that hip hop icon DMX had passed away after being hospitalized on April 2. After suffering a heart attack following a reported drug overdose.
“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,” said a statement released by his family. “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. We will share information about his memorial service once details are finalized.”
When the news broke, I reached out to Dallas Mavericks assist coach Darrell Armstrong to ask him to share his memory of the legendary hip-hop artist.
“I used to listen to “Slippin” before games as a player, and I saw his first concert here in Dallas after he got out of jail. He performed at the House of Blues and oh my god, he brought the energy,” said Armstrong.
DMX went to jail in January 2018 on a bail violation after previously pleading guilty to tax evasion in November 2017. According to Pitchfork, in March 2018, he was sentenced to one year in prison for felony tax evasion.
During a 2017 appearance on Complex’s First We Feast·, actress Gabrielle Union shared that the ‘Slippin’ artist enjoyed watching Golden Girls.
Per Union, on the set of the 2003 film “Cradle 2 the Grave, ” there was a dog biting incident.
“Did you know that DMX really loves the Golden Girls? and that’s a real fun fact,” she told host Sean Evans. She went on to tell of a dog biting incident that happened while she and “Slippin'” rapper were working on the set of their film Cradle to the Grave. “So, after a while, nobody wanted to go get him so I would be sent to go get him because I’m a dog person. And he’d be like ‘Gab, have a drink. We’re going to watch the Golden Girls. This s–– is funny,'” she said. “We would have a Heineken, sometimes a little crown, and we’d watch the Golden Girls. And he would laugh hysterically.”
She also added that she had help do all of his B-roll question. “I also had to do all of his B-roll questions because they were afraid of him. So I was like, ‘I’m not asking DMX about the cinematography.’ You know who doesn’t care about the cinematography? F––ing DMX.”
Rest In Peace Legend!
Landon Buford is an accomplished sports and entertainment journalist based in Richardson, Texas, with over a decade of experience covering the NBA, WNBA, NFL, WWE, MLB, and the entertainment industry. Known for delivering high-impact stories and headline-making interviews, Buford has earned a global audience through content that blends insider access with compelling storytelling.
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