Earl Simmons, the rapper, songwriter and actor known as DMX, died Friday at the age of 50.
DMX, which became known in the early 1990s, died early last week after a heart attack.
“We are deeply saddened to announce today that our beloved, DMX, whose birth name is Earl Simmons, has passed away at White Plains Hospital at the age of 50 with his family by his side after living the past few days. ” family said in a statement. “Earl was a warrior who fought to the end.”
DMX tracks were used by teams, athletes, stadiums and arenas, known for their deep, aggressive lyrics and catchy bass-packed beats. His characteristic raspy voice was immediately recognized in his hits “Ruff Ryders’ Anthem” and “Party Up (Up in Here)”.
Athletes used social media to express their condolences for DMX’s death, including LeBron James and former NFL star Torrey Smith.
❌4L !! Rest in paradise LEGEND !! pic.twitter.com/Y0m0DVl5Up
– LeBron James (@KingJames) April 9, 2021
RIP DMX! My love for dogs was influenced by him. His lyrics also made me feel like I could get through anything! I am happy that he recently received his roses. His mental health struggles were documented so that we could all see and learn from it. Prayers for his family 🙏🏿
– Torrey Smith (@TorreySmithWR) April 9, 2021
Icon.
RIP DMX😔 pic.twitter.com/xYiBdqjLQl– Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) April 9, 2021
All Dawgs Go to Heaven !! 🕊RIP DMX 🐐
– AJ Brown (@ 1kalwaysopen_) April 9, 2021
Damn man RIP DMX 😔
– Trending Topic 🤫 (@ BigTicket73) April 9, 2021
Forever DAWG pic.twitter.com/1nJgZwNpNJ
– Tyrann Mathieu (@Mathieu_Era) April 9, 2021
Quiet King !!! https://t.co/CIK2d9Nw0d
– Darius Slay (@ bigplay24slay) April 9, 2021
A hip-hop icon like no other
RIP 🖤 https://t.co/RChXorTzq7
– Adrian Peterson (@AdrianPeterson) April 9, 2021
dmx all day today. rip, legend
– feeno (@ArianFoster) April 9, 2021
DMX gave hope to the hopeless .. RIP legend 🙏🏾
– 🏁 Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) April 9, 2021
RIP DMX 🠙 ?? ðŸ ?? ¾
– Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) April 9, 2021
RIP DMX! My love for dogs was influenced by him. His lyrics also made me feel like I could get through anything! I am happy that he recently received his roses. His mental health struggles were documented so that we could all see and learn from it. Prayers for his family 🙏🏿
– Torrey Smith (@TorreySmithWR) April 9, 2021
Wow. RIP DMX 💔
– Danielle Robinson (@justDROB) April 9, 2021
🙏🏽 damn https://t.co/EiqWzy8Zfu
– Yes Morant (@JaMorant) April 9, 2021