DMX, the electrifying rapper who defined rap in the 2000s, dies at 50

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

The rapper, whose real name is Earl Simmons, was hospitalized in White Plains, New York, after suffering a heart attack on April 2. He spent about a week on life support and faced what his family called “serious health problems.”

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

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

Fellow musicians and celebrities responded to the news about DMX’s hospitalization with public expressions of 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 hospitalized. Dozens of people attended a prayer vigil, playing the rapper’s biggest hits, chanting his name and sharing their love for his work.

The rapper was born on December 18, 1970, in Mount Vernon, New York, and eventually moved to Yonkers. He often talked about growing up in an abusive household and using music as an outlet. In his 2003 autobiography, he wrote about his family’s struggles, calling his childhood “tough.” He said he was hit by a car at an early age and abused by his family, prompting him to act at home and at school.

After gaining a reputation as “crazy”, DMX learned how to beatbox and created a new name and identity while battling addiction. But before he could play DJ, he needed a name. The aid came in the form of one of the largest drum machines of that 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 nice with the rhythms, I took that. It was strong, powerful,” he wrote. “I liked the three letters and I thought it would be great to make them stand for different things. So when I returned to the Children’s Village after the 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 a sincere reflection of his personal struggles, containing themes of religion, violence, and redemption. In 1998, he released his debut album, “It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot”, which debuted at number 1 on the music charts. He is often credited with reviving the New York rap scene and, throughout his career, has released a total of seven albums and been nominated for three Grammy Awards.

In a 2019 interview, he talked about his love of singing on stage in front of his fans. “The performance in front of people is beyond a high level. It is beyond a high level that any drug could double,” he told GQ at the time. “Just be on stage, period and know there’s so much love there.”