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DMX performs at The Source Hip-Hop Music Awards in 2001 in Miami Beach, Fla. The rapper died Friday at age 50. // Getty Images, Scott Gries
Updated April 9, 2021 at 1:47 PM ET
Earl Simmons, better known as the rapper DMX, died Friday at White Plains Hospital in White Plains, N.Y., according to a statement from his family. He had been on life support for the past few days following a heart attack. He was 50. 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, the statement said. 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.
On Friday (April 9)
the world lost a hip-hop legend. The late rapper s death came after his weeklong
hospitalization following a reported drug-induced heart attack at his home in White Plains on April 2.
Born
Earl Simmons, DMX burst on to the hip hop scene in the late 1990s with his debut album
It s Dark and Hell Is Hot, which was met with critical acclaim and commercial success, selling 251,000 copies within its first week of release. The multi-platinum artist went on to have his four remaining albums debut at No. 1 on the Billboard charts. DMX also earned three Grammy nominations over his career and starred in several films; his most notable roles were in
The heavens have gained an angel : Eve, Swizz Beatz, Snoop Dogg and more react to the death of DMX Amy Haneline, USA TODAY
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Fans, celebrities and the music world are mourning the death of rap legend DMX, who died Friday at the age of 50.
The rapper, whose real name is Earl Simmons, was rushed to a hospital in White Plains, New York on April 2 after suffering a heart attack. His family confirmed his death in a statement on Friday.
Simmons made a splash in rap music in 1998 with his first studio album “It’s Dark and Hell is Hot,” which debuted No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart. He has released seven albums and earned three Grammy nominations. DMX also built a career as an actor, appearing in more than a dozen movies and TV shows.