WHITE PLAINS, NY – DMX, the rapper whose gravel-tone voice and electrifying stage presence captivated millions, died on Friday, April 9 at the age of 50.
DMX, who was born Earl Simmons, was rushed to White Plains Hospital in New York on April 2 after suffering a heart attack at his home, according to DMX’s longtime lawyer Murray Richman.
“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,” his family said in a statement.
While DMX released several singles in the early 90s, he really burst onto the rap scene in 1998 when he released his debut album “It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot”, which produced hits like “Ruff Ryders Anthem,” “Get at Me Dog,” and “How’s It Goin’ Down.”
His success continued with his sophomore album, “Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood,” which spawned hits like “Slippin’” and “Bring Your Whole Crew.”
His third album “…And Then There Was X,” which was certified 5x platinum, churned out classics like “Party Up (Up In Here)” and “What’s My Name.”
Throughout his career, DMX released seven albums, earned three Grammy nominations and sold millions of records. He also won the award for “Favorite Rap/ Hip-Hop Artist” at the 2000 American Music Awards.
In addition to finding success as a solo artist, DMX also found success as a member of the Ruff Ryders crew alongside artists such as Eve, Swizz Beatz, Drag-On and The Lox.
The Ruff Ryders released four albums together, including the platinum-certified album “Ruff Ryder: Ryde or Die, Vol. 1” in 1999.
DMX also made a name for himself as an actor, starring in several films including: 1998’s “Belly” along with Nas and Method Man, 2000’s “Romeo Must Die” alongside Jet Li and the late Aaliyah, 2001’s “Exit Wounds” with Steven Seagal and 2003’s “Cradle to the Grave.”
Although he rapidly ascended as one of hip-hop’s most prolific voices, his personal life was seemingly stifled by several run-ins with the law and drug addiction.
In an interview with UPROXX’s Talib Kweli, DMX opened up about his first experience with drugs at the age of 14 when his mentor gave him a marijuana blunt that was laced with cocaine.
“I later found that he laced the blunt with crack. Why would you do that to a child? He was like 30 and he knew I looked up to him,” DMX said. “Why would you do that to someone who looks up to you.”
As the news of his death became public, tributes began pouring in from those who knew him personally and from those who simply admired his craft.
During an appearance on “The Tonight Show,” Snoop Dogg, who went head-to-head with DMX in a July 2020 “Verzuz” battle, paid tribute to the late rapper and remembered their legendary battle.
“It gave the world a chance to see two dogs that naturally loved each other, celebrate each other in the name of hip-hop,” Snoop said. “You’re seeing a lot of interaction between me and him, engaging in our songs. You’re seeing a lot of conversations and a lot of love and we had God in the building with us that night.”
Actress Gabrielle Union remembered DMX as a friend whom she shared a strong bond with and as someone who “always made the time to look out for folks,”
“I am forever grateful for your joy, your laugh, your protection all these years and your hugs anytime I’ve seen you,” Union said. “You are 1 of 1. Rest in eternal peace my friend. Rest.”
Swizz Beatz, who worked closely with DMX as a member of the Ruff Ryders, paid tribute to him on Instagram and shared several photos and videos of the two together.
“I’m truly beyond devastated!!!!!! But I’m so happy my brother is no longer in pain,” Swizz said. “I watched him take everyone’s pain and make it his own.”
Plans for a funeral or memorial service have not been disclosed yet, but DMX’s family released a statement in which they said they would “keep the public posted.”
While many continue to mourn the loss of DMX, his music and legacy will continue to live on forever.
*Editor’s Note: DMX’s funeral took place at Barkley’s Center in Brooklyn, New York on Saturday April 25.
