“See, to live is to suffer but to survive….well, that’s to find meaning in the suffering.”
The world mourns yet another untimely loss as Earl Simmons aka Dark Man X and DMX passes away at 50-years-old after his week-long hospitalization for a drug overdose-induced heart attack. DMX, who was admitted to the hospital on April 2nd, was in a vegetative state on life support with no improvement in brain activity. His family penned the following statement about the passing of the Grammy-nominated rapper and actor.
“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. 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.”
Although the New York-bred Ruff Ryder made his rap album debut with 1998’s It’s Dark and Hell is Hot, his love for hip-hop started long before he reached commercial success. Amid an abusive upbringing, a 14-year-old DMX fell in love with hip-hop at a boy’s home—but it wasn’t until he linked up with fellow NY rapper Ready Ron and served a prison stint that he took his rap career seriously.
From penning pained lyrics in the pen to moving mixtapes on the corner, DMX quickly built up his street-cred as a reputable rapper and the rest is history. His chart-topping 1998 It’s Dark and Hell is Hot was followed by a series of Billboard-worthy albums such as Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood (1998), … And Then There Was X (1999), The Great Depression (2001), and many more—leaving behind legendary smash hits like “Get At Me Dog,” “Slippin’,” “Ruff Ryders’ Anthem,” “What These B***** Want,” “Who We Be,” and “How It’s Goin’ Down.”
In addition to his award-winning musical body of work, DMX also had quite the acting chops. He’s best known for his role as Tommy “Buns” Bundy in Hype Williams’ gutter and gritty hip-hop film, Belly (1998). He also starred in two movies with Jet Li—Cradle 2 the Grave (2003) and Romeo Must Die (2000) alongside the late Aaliyah, and he worked with Steven Seagal in Exit Wounds (2001).
Last but certainly not least, DMX most recently went song-for-song with fellow rap titan Snoop Dogg on Swizz Beatz and Timbaland’s Verzuz platform which garnered over a half of million views. Fans virtually recited rap lyrics from DMX’s discography and more importantly, were happy to witness such a happy and seemingly healthy DMX.
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DMX leaves behind fifteen children, ex-wife Tashera Simmons, his fiancée Desiree Lindstrom, and a host of Hollywood hip-hop friends and fans. We’re sending love and light to his family, and his legendary career will live in our hearts forever.
Below are some of DMX’s best songs and moments over the years.
Ruff Ryder’s Anthem (1998)
Slippin’ (1998)
How It’s Goin’ Down (1998)
Party Up (Up in Here) – (1999)
DMX Live at Woodstock (1999)
What These B****** Want feat. Sisqo (2000)
Back in One Piece – Aaliyah feat. DMX (Romeo Must Die soundtrack) – (2000)
Who We Be (2001)
Get it on the Floor feat. Swizz Beatz (2003)
Verzuz Battle featuring DMX and Snoop Dogg (2020)
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A Dog’s Prayers (2021)
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