This past week, on April 9, 2021, the world lost an inspiration to society and a deeply beloved man: DMX. Along with him, the 99-year-old Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip passed as well.
Predating his death, DMX spearheaded the hardcore rap genre. He reached previous generations with his infamous 90s rap and became re-popularized in this day and age with features on the album of the hit movie “Deadpool.” Meanwhile, the Duke of Edinburgh received unfavorable press from Netflix’s “The Crown.” The show suggested a superiority complex to his character and highlighted the fact that his sister was married to a Nazi.
As a member of the Royal Family, Prince Philip serves as a reminder of British imperialism. The empire stole power throughout most of Africa, operating in Egypt, Sudan, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and Uganda—just to name a few. Furthermore, a member of their lineage, the Duke of Windsor Edward VIII, has direct ties to the Third Reich after visiting Hitler in 1937 and giving him full Nazi salutes.
The Royal Family reaps the benefits of ignoring this colonial history. They use their status to cover up the fact that they had ancestors who were involved in slave trading, making claims that they are “very much not racist” and never acknowledging the support Queen Elizabeth I gave to slaver Captain John Hawkins in 1562.
In a statement that reflects the racism of the monarchy, Prince Philip himself once asked an Aboriginal Australian, “Do you still throw spears at each other?” Another time, when the president of Nigeria was dressed in a traditional robe, Prince Phillip asked him if he was “ready for bed.” He has been known for making sexist comments, including, “I don’t think a prostitute is more moral than a wife, but they are doing the same thing.”
The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip, was not favored. When social media caught wind of his death, these reminders of his role within colonialism, imperialism, racism and sexism abounded, along with memes ridiculing him.
Other news sources, including BBC and CNN, are proving full coverage of the Prince’s death, discussing what this means for Prince Charles, who is next in line for the throne. The BBC even received complaints after broadcasting a memorial for Prince Philip on two TV channels. No opinion is stated on the monarch’s death, but overall, he receives more attention in his passing than DMX.
For creators of color and lovers of the hip-hop industry, DMX is remembered as a trailblazer for Black artists. DMX, also known by Earl Simmons, was raised in an abusive household—living most of his childhood in group homes. He grew up in the streets without support, money or security.
He started from the ground and built a life for himself, beginning his career with beatboxing (his stage name is believed to reference the Oberheim DMX drum machine), and then became popular through freestyle battles. From there, record deals were signed, singles were released and DMX is known today as a king of hip-hop alongside greats like Tupac and the Notorious B.I.G. His most notable songs include “X Gon’ Give it to Ya,” “How’s It Goin’ Down” and “Slippin.’”
While both men have been mourned since their passing and it seems Prince Philip has gotten the most coverage in the media, more love has been expressed for the rapper than the Duke. It is easier to admire a person who represented and supported Black lives than someone who continuously displayed racist beliefs.
Prince Philip, may you rest in peace. Earl Simmons, may you rest in power.
