Legendary R&B Artist Dead At 50 From Apparent Drug Overdose

Iconic Rapper DMX has died after being placed on life support. He was just 50 years old.

The family of “Ruff Ryders’ Anthem” hitmaker, whose real name was Earl Simmons, confirmed the rapper’s death in a statement saying that Simmons passed one week after reports of the rapper suffering a heart attack from an overdose.

“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. 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,” the statement reads.

It continues: “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.”

According to White Plains Hospital where he died, the rapper “passed away peacefully with family present after suffering a catastrophic cardiac arrest.”

Members of the Ruff Ryder’s motorcycle crew and fans of the rapper rallied outside of White Plains Hospital in New York to pay respects and play his music.

#developing @ruffryders roll in to White Plains Hospital to pay tribute to @dmx & offer their prayers & suppprt 🙏 #hot97 @HOT97 #fox5ny @fox5ny pic.twitter.com/LwgeB8cZ9n

— LISA EVERS (@LisaEvers) April 4, 2021

News of DMX’s death came on Friday, just hours after Steve Rifkind, his manager of three years, denied rumors that surfaced earlier this week claiming the icon had died.

“Hi everybody, please stop posting with these rumors. DMX is still alive. Yes, he is still on life support,” Rifkind said in a video posted on his Instagram.

DMX was rushed to a hospital in White Plains on April 2 due to being in a “vegetative state” and was placed in the critical care unit, according to a TMZ report.

Simmons was known to have struggled with drugs and alcohol for many years. The rapper had undergone multiple rehabilitation for those issues before.

The rapper shared inspiring words during a performance on stage back in December 2019 in Las Vegas, Nev: “When you fall down, get back up, everyone here has been through some s— and you never know what God is willing to do for you until you need him to do something for you.”

“If I was to drop dead right now, my last thought would be: I’ve lived a good life.” – DMX, February 2021 pic.twitter.com/aB3hqXbbHx

— love yourself. (@MichellCClark) April 9, 2021

“If I was to drop dead right now, my last thought would be: I’ve lived a good life.” – DMX