'Your words will live on forever': Rapper DMX dies, aged 50

DMX died today, aged 50. Photo / Getty Images

Rapper DMX has died, aged 50.

The rapper, who was born Earl Simmons, suffered a heart attack on April 2 and spent the past week on life support at White Plains Hospital in New York.

"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," his family said in a statement.

"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.

"We appreciate all of the love and support during this 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 finalised."

The hip hop icon was the first musician in history to have his first five albums reach number one on the US Billboard chart.

The legendary rapper had been comatose in a New York hospital since last week, after a drug overdose led to a heart attack.

Yesterday, it was reported the rapper had undergone a brain function test and it had shown no improvements.

The hospital staff in New York showed love to DMX last night 🐕 pic.twitter.com/zPNaC0EOtk

— BRIQÜE (@briqueraps) April 6, 2021

DMX was hospitalised five days ago and at the time, his prognosis was "not good" and he remained in a coma.

Tributes to the artist have been pouring in on social media after news of his death.

LeBron James, Missy Elliot and Chance the Rapper are just a few to share their respects.

❌4L!! Rest In Paradise LEGEND!! 🐕🐕 pic.twitter.com/Y0m0DVl5Up

— LeBron James (@KingJames) April 9, 2021

Rest in Heaven DMX

— Chance The Rapper (@chancetherapper) April 9, 2021

Even though you had battles you TOUCHED so many through your MUSIC and when you would PRAY so many people FELT THAT! This is heavy for the HipHop family but your LEGACY LIVES ON & your SPIRIT. Continued Prayers for X family & friends for STRENGTH/HEALING🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/ZI9NI6Nslg

— Missy Elliott (@MissyElliott) April 9, 2021

The Grammy-nominated rapper shot to stardom in the early 1990s, with his debut album It's Dark and Hell Is Hot in 1998, which received critical acclaim and commercial success, selling 251,000 copies within its first week of release.

The rapper was most well known for his iconic tunes X Gon Give It To Ya and Ruff Ryder's Anthem.

He topped the charts numerous times, in the US and around the world, over the course of his career.