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Rapper DMX dies at 50: Tributes pour in for ‘true rap legend’ as close friends miss his ‘spoken poetry’

We will share information about his memorial service once details are finalized, the family said

Rapper DMX — who was hospitalized on April 2 after suffering an apparent drug overdose and subsequent heart attack at his home in White Plains — has died at the age of 50. "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," his family wrote in 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."

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In an old GQ interview, the rapper shed light on his struggles. "I just need to have a purpose," he said. "And I don't even know that purpose, because God has given me that purpose since before I was in the womb, so I'm going to fulfill that purpose ... whether I want to or not, whether I know it or not, because the story has already been written. If you appreciate the good, then you have to accept the bad." 

Soon after his death was confirmed, tributes started pouring in from all quarters. Chance the Rapper, TI, Saturday Night Live comedian Chris Redd were among artists who took to Twitter to condole the rapper's death. TI shared a clip of DMX’s 1998 song ‘Slippin’ on Twitter. Redd said his "childhood and love for music would not have been the same without this man." British record label Defected Records said, "We just lost an absolute legend."

"Rest in Peace DMX, will remember for everything you did throughout your music career but more so your spoken poetry (The industry) is something I play back more often than sometimes. We'll miss you X, the anthems will never be the same..." BossLogic said. FLOAT wrote, "True legend gone. His Spirit & energy gone live forever tho. Rip X."

One fan added, "Rest In Peace DMX. Please let his passing be a call to change in how you discuss addiction and treat people who have addictions in your life. Words like crackhead, and other similar language pushes peoples the margins and makes finding support more challenging."

After his death, the hospital providing his care said, "White Plains Hospital extends its deepest condolences to the family of Mr Simmons, as well as his friends and legions of fans who expressed their unwavering support during this difficult time. Earl Simmons passed away peacefully with family present after suffering a catastrophic cardiac arrest."  

DMX had 15 children — two with the model Yadira Borrego, four from his marriage to Tashera Simmons, from whom he was divorced in 2014 (they appeared together in the TV series Couples Therapy in 2012), and one with his fiancee, Desiree Landstrom. “I got a few in New York; I got a few in Cali,” DMX once said.

DMX is survived by his mother Arnett Simmons, his siblings, his children and their mothers.