DMX ,the iconic rapper who helped build the Ruff Rydersinto a powerhouse during the late 1990s, has died.
The Yonkers-bred MC, born Earl Simmons, passed away on Friday (April 10) after experiencing a heart attack triggered by a drug overdose. He was 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. 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,” his family said in a statement. “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.”
The “Party Up (Up in Here)” rapper was hospitalized in grave condition on April 2 after suffering a heart attack at his home around 11 p.m., his attorney Murray Richman told NBC News the following day.
Upon being admitted to White Plains Hospital in New York, DMX’s health was so critical that he was resuscitated and placed on life support, Richman added. He was reportedly deprived of oxygen for nearly 30 minutes.
“He’s quite ill,” the attorney said in a separate statement to the Associated Press, adding that he did not know what caused the heart attack, nor was he able to confirm TMZ‘s report that it was triggered by a drug overdose.
On Monday evening, a prayer vigil was held in his honour outside of the New York hospital where he has remained on life support following the heart attack he suffered last week.
The ceremony, which began at 5 p.m., was hosted by the Ruff Ryders to the Rescue Foundation just outside of the White Plains Hospital where he was admitted