Grammy-nominated rapper and actor DMX, real name Earl Simmons, died on Friday following a days-long stint in hospital. He was 50 years old.
His family confirmed the news in a statement, which was posted to social media. Celebrity publication People also confirmed the news.
DMX has died at age 50, his family says.
"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." pic.twitter.com/xMJvD9PSVy
— Dan Linden (@DanLinden) April 9, 2021
“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.”
White Plains Hospital also released a brief statement, saying: “White Plains Hospital extends its deepest condolences to the family of Mr. Simmons, as well as his friends and legions of fans who expressed their unwavering support during this difficult time. Earl Simmons passed away peacefully with family present after suffering a catastrophic cardiac arrest.”
DMX was rushed to hospital in grave condition last Friday after suffering a heart attack at his home.
Read more:
Rapper DMX in ‘grave condition’ at New York hospital after drug overdose, reports say
Simmons’ longtime lawyer, Murray Richman, said Sunday that the rapper was admitted to the intensive care unit but he was not sure what caused the heart attack. Celebrity gossip site TMZ reported that DMX suffered the heart attack as a result of a drug overdose, but the rapper’s representative and other media outlets could not confirm the report.
The musician had been open about his struggles with illegal drug use and had spoken about entering rehab in 2019 after serving time in federal prison on a tax fraud conviction. A Manhattan federal court found that he failed to pay $1.7 million in taxes from 2000 to 2005, by shifting money among accounts belonging to managers and associates.
DMX was one of the most successful and acclaimed rappers of the late 1990s and early 2000s, producing several hit songs including Ruff Ryders’ Anthem, X Gonna Give it to Ya, Party Up (Up In Here), How’s It Goin’ Down and What’s My Name?
He was nominated for three Grammy Awards, including Best Rap Album for 1999’s …And Then There Was X. His first five albums each debuted at the top of the Billboard 200 chart.
He also starred as an actor in the movies Belly with fellow rappers Nas and Method Man, Romeo Must Die and Cradle 2 the Grave with Jet Li, and Exit Wounds with Steven Seagal.
— With files from Global News’ Chris Jancelewicz and Reuters
— This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.