DMX, an electrifying rapper who described rap from the 2000s, dies at 50

DMX, the prolific rapper and actor who gained notoriety in the late 1990s and 2000s, died almost a week after a heart attack, his family said in a statement Friday. He was 50 years old.

The rapper, whose real name is Earl Simmons, was admitted to hospital in White Plains, New York, after suffering a heart attack on April 2.

“Earl was a warrior who fought to the end. He loved his family wholeheartedly and we cherish the times we spent with him,” his family said. “Earl’s music has inspired many fans around the world and his iconic legacy will live on forever. We appreciate all the love and support during this incredibly difficult time.”

Known for his thrilling hits, aggressive rhymes and growling voice, DMX defined the 2000s era of hip-hop and became the first artist to debut an album on the Billboard charts five times in a row. He also became a welcome face on screen, becoming an actor with roles in the cult classic “Belly” in 1998, “Romeo Must Die” in 2000 and “Exit Wounds” in 2001.

Fellow musicians and celebrities responded to the news of DMX’s hospitalization with public support and condolences to his family, including Missy Elliot, Ja Rule, Rick Ross, Sisqo, LL Cool J and Chance The Rapper. And his fans were hoping to pick him up outside the hospital where he was admitted. Dozens attended a prayer vigil, played the rapper’s biggest hits, chanted his name and shared their love for his work.

The rapper was born on December 18, 1970 in Mount Vernon, New York, and eventually moved to the city of Yonkers. He often talked about growing up in an abusive household and turning music into an outlet. In his 2003 autobiography, he writes about the struggles of his family and calls his childhood ‘rough’. He said he was hit by a car at a young age and abused by his family, which led him to perform at home and at school.

After DMX gained a reputation for being ‘crazy’, he taught himself how to make ‘beatbox’ and created a new name and identity for himself while struggling with addiction. But before he could act as a DJ, he needed a name. Help came in the form of one of the largest drum sound machines of the time.

“DMX was the name of one of the best early drum machines that a lot of kids used, and since I felt like I was having fun with the beats, I took it. It was strong, powerful,” he wrote. “I liked the three letters and thought it would be nice to let it stand for different things. When I went back to Children’s Village after my home visit, I was no longer Earl Simmons or even Crazy Earl. I was DMX. DMX The Beat Box Enforcer. ‘

X’s music was often an honest reflection of his personal struggle, with themes of religion, violence and redemption. In 1998, he released his debut album ‘It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot’, which appeared at number 1 on the music charts. He is often credited with bringing the New York rap scene back to life, and over the course of his career he has released a total of seven albums and has been nominated for three Grammy Awards.

In a 2019 interview, he talked about his love of performing on stage in front of his fans. “Acting in front of people is more than a highlight. It is beyond a highlight that any drug can duplicate,” he told GQ at the time. “Just to be on stage, point and know that there is so much love there.”