American rapper and actor Earl Simmons, known by the stage name DMX or Dark Man X, has died at age 50, People magazine reported on Friday, after the musician was hospitalised for what reports said was a heart attack during a drug overdose.
"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," said a statement released by his 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."
Rest In Peace to a cultural icon. There are no words that can mend the loss the hip-hop community felt today 🕊 #RIPDMX pic.twitter.com/IJdXqfwMJO
— T.I. (@Tip) April 9, 2021
DMX's 1998 debut single It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot became his breakthrough hit and he became a hip hop star the late 1990s and 2000s, with his first five albums reaching No.1 on the Billboard album chart.
He also crossed over into acting, with roles in action films such as 1998's Belly, 2000’s Romeo Must Die and 2001’s Exit Wounds, reports the LA Times.
TMZ reported that the rapper was taken to a critical care unit at White Plains Hospital in New York at around 11pm US time on Friday.
Missy Elliott, Swizz Beatz, Ice-T, SZA and Chance the Rapper are among those who have posted their best wishes on social media for Simmons and his family.
DMX battled addiction throughout his life, and was arrested numerous times for charges including drug possession, animal cruelty and tax fraud.
"Talking about your problems is viewed as a sign of weakness when actually it's one of the bravest things you can do," Simmons told hip-hop artist Talib Kweli last year on Kweli’s show, People’s Party.
Earl Simmons was born in Mount Vernon, New York in 1970 and was raised in housing projects in Yonkers, New York and lived with his mother and five sisters.
