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DMX death: Pharrell Williams and Ava DuVernay lead tributes to hip-hop icon
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Rapper DMX died on Friday aged 50 after suffering a heart attack, having spent almost a week in the hospital and several days on life support.
DMX’s family released a statement announcing his death.
“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,” they said.
DMX - which stands for Dark Man X - became the premier artist signed to the Ruffhouse Records label and shot to stardom with his “Ruff Ryder’s Anthem” in 1998.
The rapper sold millions of albums and became one of the most iconic stars of hardcore hip hop.
Early reports of his heart attack claimed he had suffered an overdose. His team and family have not confirmed those reports.
Over the years, DMX spoke openly of his drug use. In 2019 DMX said he planned to attend rehab, cancelling planned shows tour to do so. He said he needed to take the time to find a purpose and focus on his family.
“I just need to have a purpose. And I don’t even know that purpose, because God has given me that purpose since before I was in the womb, so I’m going to fulfill that purpose,” he told GQ that year. “Whether I want to or not, whether I know it or not, because the story has already been written. If you appreciate the good, then you have to accept the bad.”
Tributes pour in
Eve, Missy Elliott, and many more have paid tribute to DMX.
“I know that you are in the place of peace you deserve,” Eve wrote on social media. “I will be forever grateful to have known you. You were one of the most special people I have ever met. Full of humour, talent, wisdom and love and most of all loyalty. This world has lost a REAL ONE but the heavens have gained an ANGEL.”
Read more about the tributes here:
Fans and celebrities pay tribute to ‘legend’ DMX
‘I know that you are in the place of peace you deserve,’ Ruff Ryders labelmate Eve wrote on Instagram in tribute
‘I need a purpose'
In 2019, DMX gave a revealing interview to GQ.
Asked whether he was a happy person, he replied: “Sometimes.” Asked when he was the happiest, he said it was when looking at his son Exodus.
His most striking answer came after being asked whether he still set goals.
“I don’t need to have a goal in mind. I just need to have a purpose,” he told the publication. “And I don’t even know that purpose, because God has given me that purpose since before I was in the womb, so I’m going to fulfill that purpose…whether I want to or not, whether I know it or not, because the story has already been written. If you appreciate the good, then you have to accept the bad.”
Looking back on Woodstock
Prior to DMX’s death on Friday, fans of the rapper started revisiting videos from his Woodstock 1999 performance on social media
Two clips in particular went viral, garnering more than 5m views.
Read more here:
DMX’s ‘iconic’ Woodstock 99 performance goes viral on social media
The Grammy-nominated rapper died one week after suffering a heart attack
The Weeknd joins tributes
The Weeknd has joined the many artists around the world paying tribute to the late rapper.
Posting on his Instagram page, the singer shared a picture of DMX along with a broken heart emoji.
The picture was taken in Yonkers, New York, in 1997 by Jonathan Mannion.
‘Deepest condolences'
White Plains Hospital, where DMX was placed on life support days before his death, has also shared a statement honouring the artist.
“White Plains Hospital extends its deepest condolences to the family of Mr Simmons, as well as his friends and legions of fans who expressed their unwavering support during this difficult time,” ” the facility told People, referring to DMX using his real name.
“Earl Simmons passed away peacefully with family present after suffering a catastrophic cardiac arrest."
New song
A brand-new song by DMX was released on Friday, the day of his death.
Titled “X Moves”, the track features guest spots from Parliament-Funkadelic bassist Bootsy Collins, Yes guitarist Steve Howe, and Deep Purple drummer Ian Paice.
Read more about it here:
Newly released DMX song released on the day of his death
The track features guest spots from Parliament-Funkadelic bassist Bootsy Collins, Yes guitarist Steve Howe, and Deep Purple drummer Ian Paice
‘Nothing less than a giant'
DMX’s record label, Def Jam Recordings, shared a statement honouring the artist after the news of his death broke.
“His message of triumph over struggle, his search for the light out of darkness, his pursuit of truth and grace brought us closer to our own humanity,” the label wrote.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and all those who loved him and were touched by him. DMX was nothing less than a giant.”
‘One of the best to ever do it’
Pharrell Williams has paid tribute to DMX, writing in an Instagram post: “The space you saw in a beat, the pain you would squeeze out of the moment, and the words that would come of it makes you one of the best to ever do it.
“The Master sent for his legend to shine with the rest of the stars now.”
Filmmaker Ava DuVernay praised DMX’s acting performance in the 1998 film Belly, in which he starred alongside Nas.
“One of my favourite performances in one of my favourite films was given by DMX. If you haven’t seen Belly in a while or at all, gift yourself with his talent in that film this weekend,” she wrote.
You can view both tributes below:
‘Such a big loss'
Priyanka Chopra has also shared a tribute do DMX.
She was featured with him on the 2015 song “Meltdown” by N.A.S.A.
“He was one of my favourite artists growing up, and then to have had the opportunity to work with him was such a dream come true,” Chopra wrote about DMX. “Such a big loss for the music industry. #RIP DMX. Sending my thoughts and love to his family.”
Aaliyah’s mother shares a tribute to DMX
Aaliyah's mother Diane Haughton has shared a tribute to DMX.
“Earl, you had and still have a heart of gold,” Diane wrote on Aaliyah's official Instagram page. “You and Baby Girl will meet again with all the beautiful people we have lost. Will never forget your kindness. NEVER! Blessing to your family! Eternally! – Aaliyah's Mom.”
Aaliyah, the Grammy-nominated R&B/pop singer who died in 2001 in a plane crash at the age of 22, famously co-starred in in the 2000 film Romeo Must Die with DMX. The pair also collaborated on a single for the movie's soundtrack.
Read more about it here:
Aaliyah’s mother reacts to DMX’s death: ‘You and Baby Girl will meet again’
‘Earl, you had and still have a heart of gold’
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