The American rapper and actor DMX, also known as Dark Man X, died at 50, five days after suffering a heart attack.
The prominent hip-hop artist, whose real name was Earl Simmons, was placed on life support. His family, who stood by his side when he died, released a statement saying that he was “a warrior who fought till the very end.”
“Earl’s music inspired countless fans across the world and his iconic legacy of he will live on forever,” they said.
According to DMX family members, he died Friday at White Plains Hospital in White Plains, New York. In their message, they also stated: “He loved his family of him with all of his heart of him and we cherish the times we spent with him.”
They also thanked all the support and love during “this incredibly difficult time,” and asked people to respect their privacy.
“Please respect our privacy as we grieve the loss of our brother, father, uncle, and the man the world knew as DMX,” their statement continued. Besides, his manager Steve Rifkind paid his respects on social media.
“The team is going to finish what we started and your legacy will never go away. That’s my word. Rest Easy X,” he wrote on Instagram.
DMX was successful in the industry and became a leading hip-hop performer who collaborated with artists like JAY-Z, LL Cool J, and Ja Rule. Some of his songs with the highest chart positions were Party Up (Up in Here) and X Gon ‘Give It To Ya.
He also worked on his acting career, starring in movies like Cradle 2 the Grave, Romeo Must Die, and Exit Wounds.
The renowned rapper was born in Mount Vernon, New York, in 1970 and had 15 children. DMX publicly battled substance abuse for many years, including several rehab periods and jail sentences on charges such as drug possession, gun possession, and animal cruelty.
Several celebrities paid tribute to the artist throughout Friday.
Stars who expressed admiration for the musician and offered condolences to his family included Halle Berry, Soulja Boy, Ice Cube, and Chance the Rapper. Oscar-winning actress Viola Davis also wrote a message mourning the rapper’s death, as did Missy Elliott, Burna Boy, Charlie Puth, and basketball stars LeBron James and Shaquille O’Neal.
