A little over a week after his death at age 50, DMX has scored his highest position on Billboard’s Hot 100 singles chart.
The three-time Grammy Award-nominated artist’s “Ruff Ryders’ Anthem,” which he recorded in 1998, blasted up to the 16th spot this week, making it the song’s best showing on the chart to date.
The Swizz Beatz-produced track’s previous high was No. 94, of which it reached in February 1999.
“Ruff Ryders’ Anthem” is now DMX’s highest-charting single, officially besting his previous record-holder, where he joined fellow Ruff Ryder Entertainment act The Lox on “Money, Power & Respect.” Produced by Hitmen members Deric “D-Dot” Angelettie and Ron “Amen-Ra” Lawrence, the banger also included vocals from Lil Kim and peaked in 17th chart position.
In addition, “Ruff Ryders’ Anthem” also experienced a whopping surge on streaming platforms, increasing 477% — 16.6 million times — according to data provided to Billboard.
Other songs by DMX, whose real name was Earl Simmons, reappeared on the Hot 100, including “Party Up (Up in Here)” at No. 40 and “X Gon’ Give It to Ya” at No. 46.
Both songs reportedly saw a boost in streams as well, up 402% and 486%, respectively.
The Mount Vernon, New York, native last appeared on the Hot 100 in 2004 when he teamed with Yung Wun for “Tear It Up,” which peaked at No. 76.
His last solo effort to make it onto the chart was “Where the Hood At” in October 2003.
The record-breaking, former Def Jam Recordings-associated artist and actor passed away at age 50 on April 9 after suffering a heart attack. The father of 15 spent a week on life support at White Plains Hospital in New York and never recovered.
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