S. Samuel
Former Ruff Ryders leader DMX is still holding out hope for a reunion with estranged members The LOX, Eve, Swizz Beatz and Drag-On by hinting at an upcoming tour.
According to X, a nationwide tour is getting put together which already consists of Swizzy, Drag-On and Murda Mook.
It’s official … DMX and his legendary rap crew Ruff Ryders are getting back together — in fact, X tells TMZ, a blowout reunion tour is already in the works. Ruff Ryders first lady Eve told us this weekend to expect a massive comeback — but X says the RR reunion is already underway … with CEO Waah Dean currently booking several venues across the country. The tour is supposed to kick off in a few months — and X tells us, the entire crew’s already on board, including Swizz Beats, Drag-On, and Murda-Mook. According to DMX, Eve and The L.O.X. haven’t signed on yet — but that’s just because he hasn’t gotten in touch with them yet. X insists, that will change very soon. X tells us, “We are all family and we’re going to come back stronger than when we left … It’s going to take the nation by storm.” (TMZ)
Last March, Drag-On told SOHH he was no longer inked to Ruff Ryders and most concerned with creating a flourishing solo career.
“I finally got my release from Ruff Ryders,” Drag informed SOHH. “And now I got my own record label, Hood Environment. We’re getting it popping. I have my own artists and we’re putting out our own videos and sh*t like that. We’re just working man. Word. Right now I’m feeling really good. A lot of people welcomed me back with open arms so at the end of the day, I’m just excited that the streets are excited [to hear new music from me]. A lot of people are really starting to catch on to my Hood Environment record label movement. Everything is gravy. I definitely cannot complain right now.” (SOHH)
A month prior, Eve talked about moving past her former Ruff Ryders image.
“I hate it when people say, ‘The old Eve, the old Eve.’ No! I can’t pretend to be that girl anymore. If I did, people would see that and be like, Why is she trying to be that same person? … When I went to take label meetings and they would listen to the music, a lot of them would be like, ‘Yeah, that’s good, but what’s up with the Ruff Ryders sh*t?’ I’m like, ‘Yo, I was 21 then.’ It’s been years now. I’ve done a million different things. ‘Tambourine’ isn’t Ruff Ryders. The records I did with Gwen [Stefani] weren’t Ruff Ryders. I trust my audience enough to think they’ve grown, just like me — I’m hoping for that, but we’ll see.” (Ink Magazine)
Back in 2009, The LOX’s Jadakiss said a Ruff Ryders reunion was just a matter of getting the entire crew back together.
“You know, the Ryders is pure talent around the board,” Jada said about his team of emcees which includes DMX, Eve and Swizz Beatz. “It’s just a matter of linking up and putting it together. I had to be the engine, you know what I mean, with this Last Kiss album, get back in the door, get my elbows, get my elbow space and pull everybody out. DMX is back out of the trouble again. I feel fresh, it’s like a new beginning. Five years off [and] to have a first-week like I had, you know, the response is great. The people are still feeling the kid and that’s all it’s about…I was told I was nice from [Big] Pun, Biggie, Nas, Jay-Z, Eminem.” (Parker Vision)
Check out some recent DMX footage below:
