Tributes to hip-hop icon DMX, who died at 50
The “Ruff Ryders” rapper changed the game in the late 1990s with his raspy-voice lyrics and a “message of triumph over struggle.”
Fans, celebrities, family and the music world were mourning the death of rap legend DMX, a pinnacle in the ’90s and 2000s hip-hop scene.
He died Friday at age 50, according to a statement from his family given to The Associated Press.
“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,” the family said, adding that his music “inspired countless fans across the world, and his iconic legacy will live on forever.”
The rapper, whose real name was Earl Simmons, was taken to a hospital in White Plains, New York, on April 2 after he had a heart attack. On April 3, his longtime New York-based lawyer, Murray Richman, told The Associated Press the hip-hop star was on life support but said he could not confirm reports that DMX overdosed on drugs and was not sure what caused the heart attack.
The Ruff Ryders rapper had battled drug addiction and was in rehab in 2019 after spending a year in prison for tax evasion.
Memorial plans were not yet set. Music label Def Jam Recordings said in a statement to USA TODAY that it was “deeply and profoundly saddened by the loss of our brother” and called the rapper “a brilliant artist and an inspiration to millions around the world.”
“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. 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. His legend will live on forever,” the statement read.
Tashera Simmons, DMX’s ex-wife, commemorated her 50th birthday on Saturday with a series of photo tributes to him.
“Crying and a roller coaster of emotions. I couldn’t bring myself to just celebrate and close the last 50 yrs of my life with out celebrating the life of one of thee most important person in the world to me, my Ex-husband,” Simmons wrote in a lengthy Instagram caption.
DMX’s Ruff Ryders family shared prayers and praise.
“I’m so happy my brother is no longer in pain,” Swizz Beatz wrote in a message and tribute video on Instagram. “I watched him take everyone’s pain and make it his own. I send my love and support to his entire family. My brother we will never let them forget your name and you will live forever.”
Rapper Eve wrote that she knows DMX is now “in the place of peace you deserve.”
“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,” she shared on Instagram.
Joaquin “Waah” Dean, who cofounded Ruff Ryders Entertainment with his siblings, said DMX “will always be my brother for life.” In an Instagram tribute, Dean added: “May god bless you and take you into his paradise … Let’s celebrate the dog for all the work he put in here. My dog for life RR.”
Fat Joe called DMX’s death “one of the most saddest days in Hip Hop.”
“God bless you X your music will live forever and we’ll never forget you or the impact you’ve had in the game,” the fellow New York rapper wrote in an Instagram tribute.
DMX first made a splash in rap music in 1998 with his first studio album “It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot,” which landed at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart. The multiplatinum-selling album was anchored by several hits including “Ruff Ryders’ Anthem,” “Get At Me Dog” and “Stop Being Greedy.”
The rapper had four other 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 and earned three Grammy nominations, including nods for “Party Up (Up in Here)”.
DMX also built a career as an actor. He starred in the 1998 film “Belly” and appeared in “Romeo Must Die” a couple of years later with Jet Li and the singer Aaliyah. DMX and Aaliyah teamed up for the film’s soundtrack song “Come Back in One Piece.” Aaliyah died in 2001 in a plane crash in the Bahamas at age 22.
Diane Haughton, the mother of Aaliyah, wrote a touching message on Instagram. The rapper had appeared in a posthumous music video for Aaliyah’s “Miss You.”
“Earl you had and still have a heart of gold. 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!” Haughton wrote.
Snoop Dogg, who battled DMX during Swizz Beatz and Timbaland’s popular web series “Verzuz” in July 2020, said the “battle ended up being a family reunion Of 2 Doggs who loved everything about each other.”
“thank. U. X for loving me back. C u when I get there,” Snoop Dogg captioned footage from the battle on Instagram. In another post, he added: “Love u brother.”
LL Cool J remembered his past collaborator as a “unique soul,” adding that his “music will be here 1,000 years from now and the fire, passion, pain and positive energy you put into every word.”
“You did everything you came to do. You impacted the world,” LL Cool J wrote in an Instagram tribute. “You went from the underdog to the Big Dog. I’m honored we got to work together.”