Earl Simmons, Popular American rapper known as DMX, has passed on at 50.
According to his family, he died at a New York hospital on Friday.
The rap star passed away with members of his family by his side, he had been on life support after suffering a heart attack on April 2. His manager said he had been in a ‘ Vegetable State’ ever since.
The family in a statement said, “Earl music inspired countless fans across the world and his Iconic legacy will live on forever. He is 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”.
Subsequently, the rapper had a very public history of substance abuse, serving terms in jail in 2009 on drug offenses and checking into a rehabilitation clinic in 2019.
US media reported that his heart attack was triggered by an overdose.
Simmons had as many as 15 children; including four with his ex wife, Tashera Simmons in 2013; he filed for bankruptcy, citing about $1.3 million in child support owned to 10 children.
DMX made a splash in 1998 with his first studio album, “It’s Dark and Hell is Hot”, which debuted No 1 on the Bill board 200 albums chart. The multi-platinium selling album was anchored by several hits including, “,” “Ruff Ryders”, “Anthem”, “What’s my Name”, Get At Me Dog”, “Stop Being Greedy” and “How it’s Gun Down”.
DMX followed up with four straight chart topping albums including, And then there was an X, “flesh of my flesh”, “Blood of my Blood”, “The Great Depression” and “Grand Champ”, he released seven albums, earned three Grammy nominations and was named favorite rap/hip hop artist at the 2000 American Music Awards.
Lolo Ijeoma Njoku reporting, Obinwannem News
