The procession called “The Ruff Ryders 2 The Rescue: Ryde 4 Life” started at Yonkers Raceway near Empire City Casino in Yonkers.
A monster truck carrying a casket with “Long Live DMX” emblazoned on the sides of the vehicle played the rapper’s music and lead hundreds of motorcyclists from Yonkers, a suburb north of New York City, south to the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
A memorial service was set to begin at 4 p.m.
The event will be closed to the public and restricted to only close friends and family due to pandemic conditions.
For those unable to get inside, a video feed of the service will be made available.
No details were given about who may be appearing, performing or speaking.
Organizers said in a statement they will follow New York COVID-19 testing guidelines and protocols. The statement said that New York State limits indoor arenas to 10% capacity.
DMX, whose birth name is Earl Simmons, died 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 April 2.
The 50-year-old Grammy-nominated rapper delivered iconic hip-hop songs such as “Ruff Ryders’ Anthem” and “Party Up (Up in Here).” He also starred in several films including “Belly” and “Romeo Must Die.”
DMX was a father of 15 children.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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