DMX, the prolific rapper and actor who gained fame in the late 1990s and 2000s, has died almost a week after suffering a heart attack, his family said in a statement Friday. He was 50 years old.
The rapper, whose real name is Earl Simmons, was hospitalized in White Plains, New York, after suffering a heart attack on April 2nd. He spent about a week in life support and faced what his family called “serious health problems.”
“Earl was a warrior who fought to the end. He loved his family wholeheartedly and we love the time we spent with him,” his family said. “Earl’s music has inspired countless fans around the world and his iconic legacy will live on forever. We appreciate all the love and support during this incredibly difficult time.”
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Known for his electrifying hits, aggressive rhymes and thick voice, DMX defined the hip-hop era of the 2000s, becoming the first artist to debut a No. 1 album five times in a row on the Billboard charts. . He also became a welcome face on screen, becoming an actor with roles in the cult classic “Belly” in 1998, “Romeo Must Die” in 2000 and “Exit Wounds” in 2001.
Fellow musicians and celebrities responded to DMX hospitalization news with public displays of support and condolences to his family, including Missy Elliot, Ja Rule, Rick Ross, Sisqo, LL Cool J and Chance The Rapper. And his fans were hoping to lift him out of the hospital where he was admitted. Dozens attended a prayer vigil, performing the rapper’s big hits, singing his name and sharing his love for his work.
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The rapper was born on December 18, 1970 in Mount Vernon, New York, and eventually moved to the city of Yonkers. He often talked about growing up in an abusive home and resorting to music as a way out. In his 2003 autobiography, he wrote about his family’s struggles, calling his childhood “tough.” He said he was hit by a car as a young man and abused by his family, which led him to perform at home and at school.
After earning a reputation for being “crazy,” DMX was taught to beatbox and created a new name and identity while fighting addiction. But before I could act as a DJ, I needed a name. The aid was presented on one of the largest drum audio machines of the time.
“DMX was the name of one of the first early drums used by a lot of kids and because I felt nice with the rhythms, I took it. It was strong, powerful,” he wrote. “I liked all three lyrics and I thought it would be great to have them represented for different things. So when I came back to Children’s Village after my visit home, it was no longer Earl Simmons or even Crazy Earl. It was DMX. DMX The Beat Box Enforcer “.
X’s music was often an honest reflection of his personal struggles, which contained themes of religion, violence, and redemption. In 1998 he released his debut album, “It’s Dark and Hell’s Hot,” which debuted at No. 1 on the music charts. He is often credited with revitalizing the New York rap scene and, throughout his career, released a total of seven albums and was nominated for three Grammy Awards.
In a 2019 interview, he spoke of his love for performing on stage in front of his fans. “Acting in front of people is beyond the maximum. It’s more than the maximum that any drug could double,” he told GQ at the time. “Just being on stage, period and knowing there’s so much love out there.”