According to numerous news sources Earl Simmons, known as the rapper DMX has died at the age of 50. Last week the musician and actor suffered a heart attack and was hospitalized and placed on life support until his eventual passing away.
“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,” family’s statement read in part.
“Earl was a warrior who fought till the very end,” the family continued. “He loved his family with all of his heart and we cherish the times we spent with him.”
Originally from Baltimore, DMX came on the Hip Hop scene in the 1990’s helping to put Yonkers, New York and his rap crew The Rough Riders, a collective of MC’s from the same city, on the map. His debut album, “It’s Dark and Hell is Hot,” was released in 1998 with several more released over the years.
DMX was able to rise to fame after the deaths of Tupac Shakur and Notorious B.I.G. with a rap style that was aggressive but still meaningful to fans around the planet.
After selling multiple platinum records he had a successful career as an actor in such movies as “Exit Wounds” and “Cradle 2 The Crave”.
Def Jam Recordings issued a statement following the news, writing, “Def Jam Recordings and the extended Def Jam family of artists, executives and employees are deeply and profoundly saddened by the loss of our brother Earl ‘DMX’ Simmons. DMX was a brilliant artist and an inspiration to millions around the world.”
In recent years the artist became known for his battle with drugs but still held a place in the hearts of millions of his fans. Artists, athletes, and other celebrities paid tribute to him on social media Friday.
