DMX's casket was transported to memorial service on a monster truck

Respects were paid to DMX, the pioneering rapper on Sunday by family and fans alike, who congregated in New York for his memorial at the Barclays Center.

A monster truck with the message ‘Long Live DMX’ carrying the casket of the rapper drove through the city on Saturday, which was also flanked by thousands of motorbike riders. The procession attracted thousands of fans who had come to mourn his passing earlier this month. The ceremony was only open to family and friends, but was made available to stream on YouTube.

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Many of his contemporaries were in attendance for the two hour ceremony, including Nas, Kanye West and Busta Rhymes. His children spoke poignantly of their father, and the impact he had on both them and the rap scene more generally.

His oldest son, Xavier Simmons called his father a "king" and an "icon" who "deepened" his "ability to love".

While another son, Manny, said “DMX was not just a rapper, he was the best dad ever.”

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His ex-wife also spoke fondly of Simmons, saying:

"Everything he did, he did for you all. He always wanted to please you. He always wanted to give you his best show."

DMX, born Earl Simmons, was admitted to hospital on April 2 after having a heart attack. Representatives described him to be in a ‘vegetative state’, and many gathered outside the hospital in support of the rapper - hoping for his recovery. On April 9, he went into a ‘catastrophic cardiac arrest’ and passed away. He was 50.

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He was best known for his bravado and energetic, provocative musical style. His first five albums hit No.1 on the Billboard charts, a first for any artist, and he proceeded to sell millions of records. The rapper was also nominated for three Grammy awards during his career.

Watch footage of the funeral procession below.

Tope Olufemi is Mixmag's Digital Intern, follow them on Twitter