DMX death: Pharrell Williams and Ava DuVernay lead tributes to hip-hop icon

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DMX performs on 28 June 2019 in New York City (Theo Wargo/Getty Images)

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.”

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• DMX’s 10 Greatest Songs

[10 April 2021 00:29 · Rachel Brodsky]

DMX’s 10 greatest songs

From "Ruff Ryders’ Anthem" to "X Gon’ Give it to Ya", we’ve listed 10 of the New York hip-hop legend's most seminal tracks.

Read more about it here:

[10 April 2021 01:25 · Rachel Brodsky]

The Breakfast Club pays tribute to DMX

New York City DJ crew The Breakfast Club paid tribute to DMX on Twitter, writing, “We will always cherish the time we got to spend with DMX at the station. His music will live on forever, RIP.”

[10 April 2021 10:45 · Rachel Brodsky]

Jet Li pays tribute to DMX

Jet Li, who starred in Romeo Must Die with DMX, posted a tribute to the rapper on Twitter. “Rest In Peace DMX, a true legend. It was truly my honor to work and get to know you.”

[10 April 2021 11:00 · Rachel Brodsky]

The Jacksons pay tribute to DMX

The Jackson family paid tribute to DMX, posting a video of the rapper jamming out to Michael Jackson’s disco hit “Heartbreak Hotel (aka This Place Hotel)”.