Earl Simmons, better known under the stage name, DMX has sadly passed away at the age of 50 after suffering from “a catastrophic cardiac arrest” according to the New York Times. According to the New York Times, “He had been on life support at White Plains Hospital… ‘in a vegetative state’. The end was near for Simmons, but he “was a warrior who fought till the very end” according to the New York Times. According to the New York Times, he clearly had many admirers as fans stood outside his hospital blasting his music and “holding up their arms in the shape of an X”.

According to CNN, although he was a talented rapper “his professional achievements were often overshadowed by his issues with substance abuse and run-ins with the law”. More specifically, according to the Washington Post, “…charges of animal cruelty, drug possession, and impersonating a federal agent…he went to jail some 30 times…he filed for bankruptcy in 2013…owed $1.3 million in child support”. According to the Washington Post, he admitted “in an interview that year with motivational speaker and author Iyanla Vanzant…But I will always, until the day I die, I will always have a drug problem”. According to the New York Times, his “music was menacing and dark, but…he often ended a concert with a prayer”. According to the New York Times, “he was nominated for three Grammy awards and was the first musician whose first five albums reached No.1 on the Billboard chart”. According to Fox News, “He won two American Music Awards for favorite rap/hip-hop artist…” According to CNN, actor, Chris Redd paid his respects in a tweet, “My childhood and love for music would not have been the same without this man. DMX was easily my favorite artist growing up. I had every album, every ruff Ryder song, followed any artist he endorsed. Man…RIP the dog. There will never be another like him”. He clearly loved his career and according to Fox News said, “just being onstage, period, and knowing that there’s so much love out there…65 percent of the time that I get offstage…I just break down”. DMX will be deeply missed and his memory will live on through his 15 children and his many fans.