DMX
After days of speculation about his health, rapper DMX has passed away at the age of 50. According to reports, DMX (real name: Earl Simmons) suffered a drug overdose at home last Friday night and had been in critical care, supposedly on life support, for days as the result of a heart attack.
His family said in a statement confirming the news, “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.”
DMX’s struggles with addiction had been well documented throughout his life, having battled with drug problems since he was a teenager. He had spent multiple stints in rehab in recent years.
A member of the Ruff Ryders hip-hop collective, X broke out with his 1998 debut album It’s Dark and Hell is Hot, followed by 1999’s …And Then There Was X. This featured his biggest hit single, “Party Up (Up in Here)” and earned a pair of Grammy nominations. DMX released seven albums in total throughout his career, many of which topped the Billboard 200. He also acted in numerous films, including Belly and Romeo Must Die.
Simmons is survived by his 15 children and fiancée Desiree Lindstrom.
