Legendary hip-hop artist DMX has reportedly passed away at the age of 50.
The rapper had reportedly suffered a drug overdose and subsequent heart attack at his home in White Plains, New York on April 2. His family released a statement:
We are deeply saddened to announce today that our loved one, DMX, birth name of Earl Simmons, passed away at 50-years-old at White Plains Hospital with his family by his side after being placed on life support for the past few days. Earl was a warrior who fought till the very end. He loved his family with all of his heart and we cherish the times we spent with him. Earl’s music inspired countless fans across the world and his iconic legacy will live on forever. We appreciate all of the love and support during this incredibly difficult time. Please respect our privacy as we grieve the loss of our brother, father, uncle and the man the world knew as DMX. We will share information about his memorial service once details are finalized.
Earl ‘DMX’ Simmons was born in Baltimore, Maryland however raised in Yonkers, New York. The rapper broke into the industry after being featured on ‘Unsigned Hype’. Soon after DMX was signed to Columbia’s Ruffhouse imprint following his promo tracks he was then signed to Def Jam.
He released And Then There Was X in 1999 and it went multi-platinum off the success of his singles “Party Up” and “What’s My Name.”
The rapper has had a lifelong battle with addiction, and as recently as 2019 went back to rehab in fear he would relapse.
He died surrounded by family, according to his representatives.