DMX Passes Away at the Age of 50

Earl Simmons, better known as DMX, has passed away at the age of 50.

 

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DMX’s family confirmed the news in a statement published to the public earlier this morning:

“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,” wrote the family.

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.”

 

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Last Friday, DMX was rushed to White Plains Hospital after he suffered a heart attack – it was reported the heart attack was caused by an apparent overdose.  White Plains Hospital released a statement:

 

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DMX’s record label, Def Jam Recordings, posted on Instagram:

“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. His message of triumph over struggle, his search for the light out of darkness, his pursuit of truth and grace brought us closer to our own humanity. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and all those who loved him and were touched by him. DMX was nothing less than a giant. His legend will live on forever.”

Dropping his debut studio album in 1998, It’s Dark and Hell is Hot, which debuted at No.1 on the Billboard charts, DMX was one of the most successful rappers of the late 90s and early 2000s.  He is known for hit songs like Ruff Ryders’ Anthem, X Gonna Give it to Ya, Party Up (Up In Here), How’s It Goin’ Down and What’s My Name?

DMX would release a total of seven albums throughout his career, he was also nominated for three GRAMMYs, including ‘Best Rap Album’ (… And Then There was X, 1999), his first five albums each debuted in the top spot on the Billboard charts, and in 2000 he was named ‘Favourite Rap/Hip-Hop Artist’ at the American Music Awards.

In addition to this music career, DMX was also an actor.  He acted alongside Nas and Method Man in Belly, Steven Seagal in Exit Wounds, and was also featured in Romeo Must Die and Cradle 2 the Grave with Jet Li.

DMX was also admitted to rehab numerous times throughout his life, and was very open and honest about his drug addictions and time spent incarcerated.  In 2016, DMX was found in a New York hotel parking lot where first responders helped revive him (DMX claimed this was due to asthma) and years later, was sentenced to a year in federal prison on a tax fraud conviction (failing to pay $1.7 million in taxes from 2000 to 2005).

In 2019, DMX checked himself into a rehab facility and cancelled his 32-date tour to celebrate the 20th anniversary of his album, It’s Dark and Hell is Hot, “In his ongoing commitment to putting family and sobriety first, DMX has checked himself into a rehab facility. He apologizes for his cancelled shows and thanks his fans for their continued support,” read an Instagram post.

 

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One of his last appearances was in 2020 when he and Snoop Dogg went up against one another in a Verzuz battle.  This episode drew in more than 500,000 viewers.

 

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Watch below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RG4TRTbENnE

DMX is survived by his 15 children and his mother.