Grammy-nominated rapper and actor DMX died on Friday, according to a statement from his family. The rapper, whose real name is Earl Simmons, was first hospitalized on April 2 after suffering from a heart attack, according to his attorney.
The “Party Up (Up in Here)’” hitmaker, whose real name was Earl Simmons, died one week after suffering a heart attack.
“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.”
Confirmation of DMX’s death came Friday, just hours after his manager of three years, Steve Rifkind, denied rumors that surfaced Thursday claiming he had passed.
“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.
TMZ first reported on Friday, April 2 that the New York native was rushed to a hospital in White Plains where he was placed in the critical care unit with “some brain activity.” One unnamed source at the time claimed he was in a “vegetative state.”
