Rapper DMX Has Died

Earl Simmons “DMX” has passed away at the age of 50 after complications from overdosing at his home on April 2. The overdose caused a heart attack. After a week on life support, he never regained any brain function.

His family released a statement:

“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. 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. Please respect our privacy as we grieve the loss of our brother, father, uncle and the man the world knew as DMX. We will share information about his memorial service once details are finalized.”

DMX began rapping in the early 90s. The Ruff Ryders founder released his debut album “It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot” in 1998. He released his best-selling album in 1999, “… And Then There Was X,” which featured the hit single “Party Up (Up in Here).”

The rapper released seven studio albums and has been featured in several films from Belly,  Romeo Must Die, Exit Wounds, Cradle 2 the Grave, and Last Hour. He has also made quite a few television appearances from Moesha, Half & Half, Eve, MadTV, and more.

On September 20, 2019, it was officially announced that DMX had signed a new record deal with Def Jam that would reunite him with the label for the first time since his 2003 album Grand Champ. 

Over the years, the New York rapper has been nominated for three Grammys, four MTV Video Music Awards, and has won two American Music Awards.

The rapper has been battling a drug addiction over the years and has been in and out of rehab due to the addiction. In November 2020, the rapper became very emotional as he opened up about his addiction and how he was misled into doing crack, which led to his crack addiction.

“I learned that I had to deal with the things that hurt me,” he shared. “I didn’t really have anybody to talk to… in the hood, nobody wants to hear that… Talking about your problems is viewed as a sign of weakness when actually it’s one of the bravest things you can do. One of the bravest things you can do is put it on the table, chop it up, and just let it out,” said the New York native.

The rapper shared that crack was first introduced to him at the age of 14 when his friend lied to him by giving him a crack-laced blunt without letting him know. “He passed the blunt around and… I hit the blunt,” he explained. “I never felt like this before it f—ed me up. I later found out that he laced the blunt with crack… Why would you do that to a child? He was like 30, and he knew I looked up to him. Why would you do that to someone who looks up to you?”

Aside from his troubles with drug addiction, DMX was a legend. His legacy will forever be remembered through his music, films, and impact on the Hip-Hop community.

DMX leaves behind fifteen children and his fianceé Desiree Lindstrom.

The Baller Alert family sends our prayers to DMX’s family.