By Steve Osaka
US Rapper Earl Simmons popularly known as DMX has died at the age of 50.
The announcement has been made by his family.
“We are deeply saddned to announce today that our loved one, DMX, birth name 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 day,” read part of the statement by the family.
His long time attorney, Murray Richman disclosed to the press that the X Gon Give It To Ya” rapper had been hospitalized since last week after suffering from a heart attack due to drug overdose at his home in White plains, New York.
DMX debuted into rap scene in the early 1990s with his album , It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot premiering in 1998.
The Lord Gimme A Sign rapper has died as true rap legend having popularized the hip hop genre after the death of popular rappers Tupac Shakur and Notorious BIG.
He was the lead artist signed to Ruff House Record label and recorded the anthem “Ruff Ryders Anthem” which cemented his space in the hip hop world.
It featured bikers exhibiting killer stunts.
His 1999 albm, There was X earned him three Grammy nominations in the best rap album category, boasting of hits like ‘Get Me Dod’, ‘Party Up’ and X Gon Give It To Ya.
The rapper sold millions of copies. He ventured into the movie industry and featured multiple blockbuster films such as “Romeo Must Die and “Cradle To The Grave.”
DMX has been open with his struggles with addiction, he went as far as cancelling concerts and checking into rehabilitation centers with the hope of kicking out the habit.
He was also jailed in 2017 after pleading guilty to tax evasion.
He has been facing long battles of child support from his former wife, Tashera Simmons.
DMX was living with his fiance Desire Lindstorm before he was admitted in hospital
