REST IN POWER DMX
It is a tragic day in Hip Hop as DMX has passed away at the age of 50.
X, birth name Earl Simmons, was hospitalized at the White Plains Hospital in New York after reportedly suffering cardiac arrest.
“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,” DMX’s family said in a statement. “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.”
DMX burst onto the scene with his debut album It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot in 1998 and injected the culture with a profound grittiness that the industry was lacking at a time where excess was celebrated. His trademark bark and unrivaled stage presence was coupled with a vulnerability that only X could display as he publicly fought his demons through his music. He was the star of the Ruff Ryders collective and played a role in the rebirth of Def Jam records.
DMX would become the first artist in history to have two albums debut atop the charts in the same year, with Flesh Of My Flesh, Blood Of My Blood following his debut album in 1998. Aside from his profound rap career, DMX cut his teeth as an actor in films such as Romeo Must Die and Belly.
Although he was a superstar, he never shied away from his battles with depression and addiction. After disappearing from the scene for several years, DMX emerged in a VERZUZ battle with Snoop Dogg
It goes without saying that there will never be another rapper like DMX and we hope that he’s resting easy above us with no more suffering.