Legendary rapper DMX, born Earl Simmons, has passed at the age of 50 after suffering a heart attack in his New York home on April 9.
According to Simmons’ long time attorney, Murray Richman, the artist was sent to the White Plains Hospital following his heart attack last week, and where he would later pass away.
At the moment it is unclear what caused the unexpected heart attack. Simmons has openly expressed his struggles with addiction. In 2019, he decided to take a step out of the spotlight to work on his internal temptations and checked himself into a rehab facility.
TMZ reports that the heart attack stemmed from a drug overdose, however, the family has not confirmed whether or not that report is true.
“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,” Simmons’ family commented, according to CNN, The Times and other sources.
Having been known for his deep and raspy flow, DMX quickly skyrocketed to fame in the late 1990s after releasing his first album “It’s Dark and Hell is Hot”. The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 list.
Simmons undisputedly took over the rap and hip-hop world following the devastating passings of Notorious B.I.G. and Tupac. In 2003, DMX released two of his most iconic songs “X Gon’ Give it to Ya” and “Where The Hood At?”. Throughout his time behind the mic, he received a total of three Grammy nominations.
As his career continued to soar in the music industry, DMX decided to expand his resume. He played a role in a number of movies throughout his career, most notably “Romeo Must Die,” “Cradle 2 The Grave,” and “Fast and Fierce: Death Race.”
Throughout the day fellow artists to athletes to actors have taken to Twitter to mourn the death of DMX and express their gratitude to what he brought to their lives on a daily basis.
❌4L!! Rest In Paradise LEGEND!! 🐕🐕 pic.twitter.com/Y0m0DVl5Up
— LeBron James (@KingJames) April 9, 2021
Even though you had battles you TOUCHED so many through your MUSIC and when you would PRAY so many people FELT THAT! This is heavy for the HipHop family but your LEGACY LIVES ON & your SPIRIT. Continued Prayers for X family & friends for STRENGTH/HEALING🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/ZI9NI6Nslg
— Missy Elliott (@MissyElliott) April 9, 2021
I’m devastated to wake up to the death of DMX. I grew up listening to him, his words and stories got me through some difficult times as a kid and I’m so grateful for his wisdom and light. Gone too soon but I hope on to a more peaceful place. Rest in peace DMX pic.twitter.com/yu6lWmqWfe
— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) April 9, 2021
DMX will be missed by his fans, friends and family. Nevertheless, his music will forever be cherished and will continue to live on.