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RIP: DMX Passes Away At The Age Of 50-Years-Old

DMX
Photo Credit: WENN.com

Legendary hip hop artist DMX, real name Earl Simmons has reportedly passed away at the age of 50.

The Yonkers native had reportedly suffered a heart attack on Friday night (Apr. 9), according to TMZ. The rapper has had a life long battle with addiction, and as recently as 2019 went back to rehab in fear he would relapse. It is reported he went 30 minutes without oxygen, and had to be revived up to three times as healthcare workers pushed to save his life.

Family of the legend released a statement announcing DMX’s passing.

“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. 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 was a one-of-a-kind talent who touched fans with his authenticity, passion, and bars. Signing with Def Jam, he began making a bigger name for himself appearing on tracks with Jay-Z and Ja Rule, as a group named Murder Inc. before disbanding soon later.Following eye opening features on tracks such as “4, 3, 2, 1” “Money, Power, Respect,” and “24 Hours To Live,” he finally dropped his debut single “Get At Me Dog,” in 1998. That year would prove to be one of the greatest years of his life, releasing his first two albums in 1998,  It’s Dark & Hell Is Hot which sold 251,000 copies  in the first week, and Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of my Blood, which included “Ruff Ryders Anthem.” Both projects reaching number 1, and helped put DMX into the spotlight as one of the top MC’s and artists at the moment.
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The leader of the Ruff Ryders crew ended up releasing a total of seven studio albums, and was currently working on a eighth project produced by Swizz Beatz with features from Lil Wayne, Bono, Usher, Alicia Keys, Pop Smoke, The LOX, Snoop Dogg, Griselda.We last saw the rapper on Drink Champs in February where he shared stories of his career, including details of his famous battle against Jay-Z. His fans also got a chance to celebrate the rapper and his classic tracks with a Verzuz battle on July 22, 2020 against another legend in Snoop Dogg.Earl Simmons also starred in various pop culture favorite movies including Belly, Romeo Must Die, Exit Wounds, Cradle 2 The Grave & more throughout his career.

DMX last hit the Summer Jam stage in 2017, when Chris Brown brought him out during his set. He also was one of the top performers in 1998, and 1999 .His legacy should be seen as one of success, as a kid from Yonkers who was constantly getting in trouble with the law, became one of the most beloved and successful hip hop artists of all time. He opened himself up to share his passion, his pain, his prayers, and his struggles with his fans through music, and performances with the fans.DMX is survived by his 15 children.May he rest in peace.