Earl Simmons (December 18, 1970 – April 9, 2021), known by his stage name DMX (“Dark Man X”), was an American rapper, songwriter, and actor. He began rapping in the early 1990s and released his debut album It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot in 1998, to both critical acclaim and commercial success, selling 251,000 copies within its first week of release. He released his best-selling album, … And Then There Was X, in 1999, which included the hit single “Party Up (Up in Here)“. His 2003 singles “Where the Hood At?” and “X Gon’ Give It to Ya” were also some of his most popular.
DMX was featured in films such as Belly, Romeo Must Die, Exit Wounds, Cradle 2 the Grave, and Last Hour. In 2006, he starred in the reality television series DMX: Soul of a Man, which was primarily aired on the BET cable television network. In 2003, he published a book of his memoirs entitled, E.A.R.L.: The Autobiography of DMX
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.”
In an additional note, 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 has died a week after suffering a heart attack. He was 50. The rapper and actor, born Earl Simmons, died at White Plains Hospital in New York on Friday, his family confirms to Nyongesa Sande.
“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,” they wrote in a statement.
Death
On April 2, 2021, at approximately 11:00 pm, Simmons was rushed to a hospital in White Plains, New York, where he was reported to be in critical condition following a heart attack at his home possibly resulting from an overdose.
On April 3, his attorney, Murray Richman, confirmed Simmons was on life support. Later that day, Richman stated he was off life support and breathing on his own, but later clarified that evening that Simmons remained on life support and he had “been given wrong information”. That same night, tabloid journalism outlet TMZ, who first reported on the hospitalization, stated that Simmons had suffered oxygen deprivation to his brain as paramedics attempted to resuscitate him for 30 minutes.
On April 4, Simmons’ former manager, Nakia Walker, stated he was in a “vegetative state” with “lung and brain failure and no current brain activity”.
On April 7, his manager, Steve Rifkind, stated Simmons was comatose and that he was set to undergo tests to determine his brain’s functionality which would allow his family to “determine what’s best from there”
On April 9, 2021, Simmons had reportedly lost functionality in multiple essential organs, including his lungs. Simmons was pronounced dead later that day, age 50, according to a statement released by his family.
In 1999, the star was nominated for the Billboard Music Award for R&B/hip-hop albums artist of the year — he has earned multiple BBMA nods. That same year, he was up for the Soul Train Music Award for the Sammy Davis, Jr. male entertainer of the year prize.
In 2000, DMX won the American Music Award for favorite artist in the hip-hop rap category. He was nominated for the AMA once more in 2001. The hitmaker was been nominated for five MTV Video Music Awards, including best breakthrough video.
DMX has earned three Grammy Award nominations over the course of his decades-long career, including best rap solo performance for his smash hit song “Party Up (Up in Here)” and best rap album for his fan-favorite …And Then There Was X — both nominates came in 2000. In 2001, he was up for the Grammy for best rap solo performance for his jam “Who We Be.”
DMX is survived by his mother Arnett Simmons, his siblings, his children and their mothers.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, please contact the SAMHSA substance abuse helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.
