DMX, the GRAMMY-nominated rapper, actor, author, and Hip Hop icon has died, days after he was hospitalized following a heart attack, triggered by an apparent drug overdose.
Born Earl Simmons, but known to the world as Dark Man X, DMX was a king of hardcore Hip Hop and rose to fame along with the Ruff Ryders. His debut album, It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot was both a critically acclaimed and a commercial success, and his first five albums all debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200.
X has been very transparent about his journey with substance abuse and overcoming it throughout the years. In a tearful interview, he recalled the first time he became addicted to drugs. At 14 years old, unbeknownst to him, he smoked a blunt laced with crack— provided by someone he admired who was in their 30s. X choked up at the memory, saying, “why would you do that to a child?” He continued, “a monster was born. I wouldn’t do that to my worst enemy. I wouldn’t wish that on my worst enemy, especially to someone that you supposedly love.”
Simmons last entered rehab in October 2019 to honor his "commitment to putting [his] family and sobriety first," after his release from prison for tax evasion. Prior to his death, X was working on a new album and recently appeared on VERZUZ alongside, Snoop Dogg.
When friend and collaborator, Aaliyah died, DMX opened her tribute video, “I Miss You” with a special sentiment and it truly echoes how many are feeling, in light of his death— “...I have trouble accepting the fact that you’re gone, so I won’t. It’ll be like we went for a while without seeing each other, but I can understand why God would’ve wanted you close to him because you truly were an angel on Earth. In my own special way, I love you and I miss you.”
DMX was one of one and will truly be missed. Simmons turned 50 in December of 2020.
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Sign Up and Follow Audacy
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
