DMX, the rapper from New York whose grim tone electrified the American music scene in the late 1990s, is 50 years old.
The star, whose real name is Earl Simmons, was admitted to hospital after a heart attack on April 2 and was placed in a critical care unit at White Plains Hospital, New York. His family arranged a prayer vigil outside which took place on Monday.
“Earl was a warrior who fought to the end,” reads a statement from his family. He loved his family wholeheartedly and we cherish the times we spent with him. Earl’s music has inspired numerous fans around the world and his iconic legacy will live on forever. We appreciate all the love and support during this incredibly difficult time. ”
His label Def Jam Records wrote: ‘DMX was a brilliant artist and an inspiration to millions around the world. His message of triumph over struggle, his search for the light out of darkness, his pursuit of truth and grace brought us closer to our own humanity. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and all who loved him and were touched by him. ”
DMX has five US no. 1 albums achieved, with hip-hop songs like Party Up (Up in Here), What’s My Name? and X Gon ‘Give it to Ya. With his gripping stories of crime and rivalry, peppered with energetic ad-libs and candid lyrics about his own psychology, he is credited with bringing fresh storytelling and rawness to the “gangsta rap” scene of the 1990s.
Simmons was born in New York City’s suburb of Mount Vernon in 1970 and was raised partly in an orphanage after being physically abused by his mother. He takes his stage name from an Oberheim DMX drum machine in one of the houses.
He spent time as an adult in the juvenile detention center for a series of crimes, including car hijacking. A 1992 deal with Columbia Records faltered, but he later signed with Def Jam, who released his 1998 debut single Get at Me Dog.
It began a period of great success, including a much-admired performance in front of about 200,000 people at the infamous Woodstock Festival in 1999.
His first two albums – It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot, and Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood – were released in 1998 and quickly became multi-platinum, making him the first live rapper to release No. 1 in the same year. albums released. . With the 2003 Grand Champ album, he became the first artist to achieve five U.S. number 1s with their first five albums.
He was nominated for three Grammy Awards, including Best Rap Album for 2001s … And Then There Was X, and on the songs of Jay-Z, Aaliyah, LL Cool J and more.
While continuing with the release of music, he began an acting career in 1998 at the head of the crime drama Belly with hip-hop stars, including Nas and Method Man.
He managed to star in two thrillers by Polish director Andrzej Bartkowiak: Exit Wounds (2000) with Steven Seagal, and Cradle 2 the Grave (2003) with Jet Li, with whom he also starred in Romeo Must Die (2000) played. Further roles come with actors such as Kris Kristofferson and Michael Madsen, and he appears as himself in the 2014 Chris Rock film Top Five.
Amidst his success, he had a bad personal life, and he struggled with drug use that started at the age of 14 and committed with further crimes. During the 2000s, he imposed minor sentences for convictions, including animal cruelty, drug possession and various driving charges, and he spent short periods in prison, including for parole offenses.
In 2015, he was sentenced to six months in prison for failing to pay child support. Simmons is the father of 15 children, with the most recent, Exodus, born in 2016. In 2018, he served a year-long sentence for tax evasion.
During a prison sentence in 2010, he was transferred to a mental health unit. In his original sentencing, the judge said she believes he has an undiagnosed bipolar disorder. Simmons never announced a diagnosis, but referred to several personalities, also in 2020 when he said, “There are some things, some people in me – they get me through life.” In 2011, he said, “I was very clear who was what and what traits each personality had, but I do not know yet.”
He has visited drug rehabilitation facilities numerous times, most recently in 2019 when he canceled tour dates, citing a “constant commitment to put family and sobriety first”.
He has released a total of seven studio albums, the most recent of which was undisputed in 2012. A further album, Redemption of the Beast, was released in 2015, but was not authorized by Simmons.
In 2019, producer Swizz Beatz announced that Simmons had signed a new deal with Def Jam and was working on a new album. In 2020, he wrapped up a rap battle with Snoop Dogg for the popular online series Verzuz, with more than 500,000 viewers.
Viola Davis was among those who paid tribute and wrote, “I pray for the comfort of your children and loved ones.” Halle Berry wrote: “His gift meant so much to so many.”