NEW YORK (1010 WINS) – Grammy-nominated rapper DMX died at the age of 50 on Friday after spending a week at a Westchester County hospital following a heart attack last week, according to his family and officials.
White Plains Hospital said in a statement that the rapper died after suffering “catastrophic cardiac arrest.”
In a statement, his family wrote, “We are deeply saddened to announce today that our loved one, DMX, birth name 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,” the statement continued. “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 services once details are finalized.”
Shortly before his death was announced, sources told TMZ that the rapper's health had been deteriorating rapidly Friday and that his family and friends were urged to come to White Plains Hospital immediately.
After false rumors spread that DMX had died earlier this week, his manager Steve Rifkind took to Instagram on Thursday night, saying the rapper remained on life support. “Everybody please stop with posting these rumors. DMX is still alive,” Rifkind said.
DMX was admitted to the hospital last Friday night after suffering a heart attack at his home around 11 p.m., according to his longtime lawyer, Murray Richman.
TMZ has reported that the rapper’s heart attack was caused by a drug overdose, but Richman said he was not able to confirm that.
DMX built a multiplatinum career as one of rap's stars in the 1990s and early 2000s, but he also struggled with drug addiction and was admitted to rehab multiple times.
Best known for his songs “Ruff Ryders’ Anthem” and “Party Up (Up in Here),” DMX made a splash in rap music in 1998 with his first studio album, “It’s Dark and Hell is Hot,” which debuted No. 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart. The multiplatinum-selling album was anchored by several hits, including “Get At Me Dog,” “Stop Being Greedy” and “How It’s Goin’ Down.”
DMX followed up with four straight chart-topping albums including “... And Then There Was X,” “Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood,” “The Great Depression” and “Grand Champ.” He released seven albums, earned three Grammy nominations and was named favorite rap/hip-hop artist at the 2000 American Music Awards.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.