Thousands of motorcycles have surrounded a monster truck carrying the casket of rapper DMX to a memorial service in New York.

The service, open to only family and close friends, was streamed on his YouTube channel.

A massive black big-wheel truck with the words “LONG LIVE DMX” on side of the vehicle carried his shiny red casket for more than 15 miles from Yonkers – where the rapper grew up – to the Barclays Centre in Brooklyn.

A plethora of motorcycles trailed the truck during the procession before arriving at the arena, where thousands of people crowded the streets.

Motorcycle riders surrounded the monster truck, revving up their engines.

DMX, whose birth name is Earl Simmons, died on April 9 aged 50 after suffering a “catastrophic cardiac arrest”.

He spent several days on life support after being rushed to a New York hospital from his home on April 2.

Cynthia Roberts, a 57-year-old Brooklyn native, said she has been a fan of DMX since his Ruff Ryders days.

She showed up at the arena to pay homage to the rapper who she said was struck by his rhymes, voice and musicianship.

Calling the rapper’s music “timeless”, she added: “He was a true guy. He spoke his truth. He touched my soul.

“I tell myself he was put here for that. We all have a job to do, and he did his job.”

Along with his musical career, DMX paved his way as an actor.

He starred in the 1998 film Belly and appeared in 2000’s Romeo Must Die with Jet Li and Aaliyah. DMX and Aaliyah teamed up for Come Back in One Piece on the film’s soundtrack.

His funeral service will be held on Sunday afternoon.