DMX, an exciting rapper who defined 2000s rap, dies at the age of 50

DMX, the prolific rapper and actor who rose to fame in the late 1990s and 2000s, passed away almost a week after a heart attackhis family said in a statement Friday. He was 50 years old.

The rapper, whose real name is Earl Simmons, was hospitalized in White Plains, New York, after a heart attack on April 2. He spent about a week on livelihoods dealing with what his family called “serious health problems.”

“Earl was a warrior who fought to the end. He loved his family with all his heart and we cherish the time we spent with him,” said his family. “Earl’s music has inspired countless fans around the world and his iconic legacy will live on forever. We appreciate all the love and support during this incredibly difficult time.”

Known for his electrifying hits, aggressive rhymes and growling voice, DMX defined the era of hip hop of the 2000s and became the first artist to debut an album five times in a row at No. 1 on the Billboard charts. He also became a welcome face on the screen, becoming an actor with roles in the cult classic “Belly” in 1998, “Romeo Must Die” in 2000 and “Exit Wounds” in 2001.

Fellow musicians and celebrities responded to news of DMX’s hospitalization with public expressions of support and condolences to his family, including Missy Elliot, Ja Rule, Rick Ross, Sisqo, LL Cool J and Chance The Rapper. And his fans hoped to lift him out of the hospital where he was admitted. Dozens attended a prayer vigil, played the rapper’s greatest hits, recited his name and shared their love for his work.

The rapper was born on December 18, 1970 in Mount Vernon, New York, and eventually moved to the city of Yonkers. He often talked about growing up in an abusive household and turning to music as an outlet. In his 2003 autobiography, he wrote about his family’s struggles, calling his childhood ‘rough’. He said he was hit by a car at a young age and abused by his family, causing him to act at home and at school.

After gaining a reputation for being “crazy,” DMX taught himself beatboxing and created a new name and identity for himself as he struggled with addiction. But before he could act as a DJ, he needed a name. Help came in the form of one of the largest print audio machines of the time.

“DMX was the name of one of the best early drum machines that a lot of kids used and feeling that I was good with the beats I took that. It was strong and powerful,” he wrote. “I liked the three letters and thought it would be cool to leave them for different things. So when I went back to Children’s Village after my house visit, I was no longer Earl Simmons or even Crazy Earl. I was DMX. DMX The Beat Box Enforcer. “

X’s music was often an honest reflection of his personal struggles, with themes such as religion, violence and redemption. In 1998 he released his debut album, “It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot”, which entered the charts at No. 1. He is often credited with reviving the New York rap scene, and over the course of his career he released a total of seven albums and was nominated for three Grammy Awards.

In a 2019 interview, he spoke about his love of performing onstage to his fans. “Acting in front of humans is more than a high. It’s more than a high that can duplicate any drug,” he told GQ at the time. “Just be on stage, period, and know there’s so much love.”