Mount Vernon, New York born rapper Earl “DMX” Simmons passed away today (April 9, 2021) at age 50 at White Plains Hospital in New York. According to an official statement issued by his family, he was surrounded by family members after being placed on life support a week ago. DMX was brought to the hospital after suffering what was described as a “catastrophic heart attack” on April 6th.
According to the official 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.”
It is not known what caused the heart attacked. DMX has struggled with severe addiction issues throughout his life and in October 2019 cancelled several planned concert appearances to enter a rehabilitation facility.
He performed as recently as early March with a club appearance as pat of NBA’s All Star Weekend festivities in Atlanta. DMX’s Instagram also reveals plans for several concert appearances in May 2021.
DMX released his first studio album, It’s Dark and Hell is Hot in 1998. The project debuted No. 1 on the Billboard’s 200 chart. In the same year he followed up with Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood, which entered the charts at No. 1 and stayed there for three consecutive weeks. His third album, …And Then There Was X, was released in 1999 and is his best-selling album to date.
He is the second of just two rappers to claim two debut No. 1 Billboard 200 albums, the first being Tupac Shakur.
Image: Mika
