American rapper and actor DMX has died aged 50, one week after having suffering a cardiac arrest.
One of the most popular and successful rappers to emerge from the late nineties, DMX, who’s real name is Earl Simmons, was admitted to intensive care in New York on 2 April, and put on life support.
His family described the rapper as a “warrior who fought until the very end”. The statement released by the family said:
“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.”
The statement comes just hours after friend and manager Steve Rifkind promised that the family would post an update about DMX’s condition and plead with fans to stop posting rumors about the rapper being taken off life support last weekend. Rifkind said:
“Please stop posting these rumors. DMX is still alive. Yes he is on life support but please it is not helping anybody seeing these false rumors. Let the family relax for a night.
“You will be hearing a statement from the family some time tomorrow. I have been with DMX For the past three years. So the only thing I ask is just stop with the rumors. He is still alive and he is on life support”.
TMZ reported that the rapper suffered from an overdose that triggered a heart attack, with reports saying that he had “some brain activity” before he died and with another source saying he was in a “vegetative state”.
DMX previously spoke about his addiction to crack cocaine, which began when he was 14. He has been in and out of rehab over the years, with the most recent time occurring in 2019 when he checked himself in.
DMX was signed by Columbia Records in 1992 and released his first album, It’s Dark And Hell Is Hot, in 1998. The album at the top of the Billboard 200 albums, and featured hits such as ‘Ruff Ryders’ Anthem’, ‘Stop Being Greedy’ and ‘Get At Me Dog’.
The rapper has also appeared in various films, including Romeo Must Die (2000), Exit Wounds (2001) and Cradle 2 the Grave (2003).
Words by Shawna Healey
Image: Getty images
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