DMX is a legend in the rap game, and his legacy will live on forever. For one, the Ruff Ryders founder broke the internet recently when he gave the world a Bible study session via his Instagram Live. Not only was he reading the scripture in his distinct, raspy voice, but he gave us comfort during this sunken time amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
Now, DMX is making headlines again after revealing who he’d like to battle on IG Live in a VERZUZ battle. During a recent interview on N.O.R.E. and DJ EFN’s Drink Champs podcast, the “X Gon’ Give It To Ya” rapper said he’d like to battle Jay Z.
“Are we saying Jay-Z?” Norega responded, to which DJ EFN said, “Yeah I think that’s what he’s saying.” What was DMX’ response? “Yeah, who you think n*gga?”
“He going straight to the top! It’s only picking up where you guys left off, right? Yo, that would be epic for the culture right there,” EFN added.
Of course, fans know this isn’t the first time the two New York rappers would go head to head. Two decades ago in 2000, Jay-Z and DMX once famously battled in a pool hall in the Bronx before either had achieved any type of fame. The only footage of the night was captured by the late rapper Big L, and none of it features DMX. Members of each crew declared the battle a tie but if you ask DMX, he’ll say he won. If you ask Jay Z, well… you guessed it. He won.
Hov and DMX have since squashed any tension between the two. In an interview with The Breakfast Club in 2016, X went on record to say he was open to burying the hatchet with the Roc Nation founder.
DMX stated, “As strong as I am, to walk around holding anger, it wears you down. I don’t got time to be mad at nobody man. Unless there’s a situation right here, right now, then you know. Even then, it ain’t a whole bunch of talking about it. Whatever we gon’ do, let’s get to it and get past it. But to hold on… I’m mad at him because of this. It wears on you and I got too much other shit to focus on.”
As far as if the battle will actually happen, I guess we’ll see.
