Just after news of Prince Philip’s passing, American rapper and actor DMX real names Earl Simmons passed on aged 50 after spending five days in hospital due to a heart attack he suffered days before.
According to reports by BBC, DMX had been placed on life support and died with his family by his side while still at the hospital where he had been admitted.
In a statement, his family said he was “a warrior who fought till the very end”.
“Earl’s music inspired countless fans across the world and his iconic legacy will live on forever,” they said.
“We are deeply saddened to announce today that our loved one, DMX, birth name of 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 days,” family’s statement read in part.
DMX, aka Dark Man X, was a leading hip-hop performer who collaborated with such artists as JAY-Z, Ja Rule and LL Cool J.
He took his moniker from the name of a drum machine used in rap tracks. The chart-topping artist’s songs included Party Up (Up in Here) and X Gon’ Give It To Ya.
DMX was also an actor and appeared in films such as Cradle 2 the Grave, Romeo Must Die and Exit Wounds.
Born in Mount Vernon, New York in 1970, DMX publicly battled substance abuse for years and spent several periods in rehab.
A father of 15, he served jail sentences on charges including animal cruelty, reckless driving, drug possession and weapons possession. According to his family, DMX died on Friday at White Plains Hospital in White Plains, New York.
“He loved his family with all of his heart and we cherish the times we spent with him,” their statement continued.
“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.”
DMX will surely be missed
His manager Steve Rifkind also paid his respects, writing on Instagram: “The team is going to finish what we started and your legacy will never go away. That’s my word. Rest Easy X”.
Tributes were paid throughout Friday, with a host of stars expressing their admiration for the musician and offering sympathies to his family.
“His gift meant so much to so many,” tweeted actress Halle Berry.
Rappers Ice Cube, Soulja Boy and Chance the Rapper also tweeted their condolences. Ice Cube wrote on his Twitter: ‘Sending warrior prayers to the homie DMX’
“Even though you had battles you TOUCHED so many through your MUSIC and when you would PRAY so many people FELT THAT! This is heavy for the HipHop family but your LEGACY LIVES ON & your SPIRIT. Continued Prayers for X family & friends for STRENGTH/HEALING’, said singer Missy Elliott.
Earl Simmons was an American rapper, songwriter, and actor. He began rapping in the early 1990s and released his debut album It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot in 1998, to both critical acclaim and commercial success, selling 251,000 copies within its first week of release.
May his soul rest in peace.
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