Posted by DMX’s vulnerability on the mic made it easy for him to connect with his millions of fans. Coupled with his unmistakable gruff and impenetrable vocal power, X’s music provided a lifeline for countless people who often looked to the Ruff Ryders legend for strength.
But on Friday (April 9), Earl “DMX” Simmons lost his fight at White Plains Hospital where he’d been placed on life support following a catastrophic heart attack a week prior. Following the devastating results of a brain function test, the Simmons family was forced with a difficult decision to take him off the machines that were keeping him alive.
DMX Has Died At 50 Following A Week In White Plains Hospital ICU
“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,” the Simmons family wrote in a statement. “DMX 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.”
DMX has wrestled with substance abuse and mental health issues for most of his life and, as he suggested on the 1998 “Prayer (Skit)” from It’s Dark And Hell Is Hot, had an innate feeling his time on earth was limited.
“And I fear that what I saying, won’t be heard until I’m gone,” he said. “But it’s all good, ’cause I really didn’t expect to live long.”
There’s always been a sense DMX wasn’t afraid to die. During a February 2021 interview with Drink Champs co-hosts N.O.R.E. and DJ EFN, he said casually said, “If I was to drop dead right now, my last thought would be: ‘I’ve had a good life.’”
This is comforting. Rest, DMX. https://t.co/XKYfANEuvM
— Rex Chapman?? (@RexChapman) April 9, 2021
With over 74 million albums sold worldwide and a catalog boasting eight studio albums — including the multi-platinum Flesh Of My Flesh Blood Of My Blood — DMX is forever immortalized in music history. Naturally, the Hip Hop community is in a state of collective mourning as they remember their fallen brother. From Method Man and Xzibit to Busta Rhymes and his former Ruff Ryder labelmate Eve, the love is strong on social media.
As Eve wrote, “#mydog X I know that you are in the place of peace you deserve. I will be forever grateful to have known you. You were one of the most special people I have ever met. Full of Humour, talent, wisdom and love and most of all loyalty. This world has lost a REAL ONE but the heavens have gained an ANGEL. May you Rest.”
Check out some of the reactions below.
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As a kid I believed all of my heroes were immortal and could never die. DMX was one of those guys for me. Rest in peace to the grand champ and long live the dark man of unknown. Hands down one of the greatest to ever grab a microphone. #RIPDMX pic.twitter.com/n4NieUpRzN
— Fashawn (@fashawn) April 9, 2021
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In my parallel universe…DMX wakes up from this coma and drops an album ??????
— Queen of the LEDs (@therealrahdigga) April 9, 2021
From the Clue tapes to one of the greatest debut albums ever to one of the greatest careers ever, your impact was 2nd to none. Your pen was poetry. You literally made stadiums pray. Smh RIP DMX. Rest easy ??? pic.twitter.com/MrC0KMGNeX
— Skyzoo (@skyzoo) April 9, 2021
Rest in Power DMX pic.twitter.com/exJjHbQpM3
— Immortal Technique (@ImmortalTech) April 9, 2021
“Always trust everyone to be themselves but trust in the fact you can see them well” RIP DMX ? a real legend.
— charlton (@thekidlaroi) April 9, 2021
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DMX got an album called the Grand Champ. He been through it all & fought. Period. No matter what happens next… respect his wins. Dude was THE Champ. Iconic.
— Statik Selektah (@StatikSelekt) April 9, 2021
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Ill never forget that day in 8th grade … 4,3,2,1 came on the radio on my way to the skate rink..
The first time hearing DMX was a mf moment.
If you know you know.
— CHUCK INGLISH (@Chuckisdope) April 9, 2021
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I used to tell people that DMX raised me. One thing about it. Bro was fighting demons… but he fought them all the way to death. He kept trying. We all have to keep trying. We can’t let our traumas win. They win when we stop fighting. ?????
— Derek Minor (@thederekminor) April 9, 2021