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.
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Advertise with NZME."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.
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.
Read More
- Rapper DMX 'clinging to life' in ICU following drug overdose - NZ Herald
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- Rapper DMX still on life support; family and fans hold emotional prayer vigil outside hospital ...
- DMX files for bankruptcy - NZ Herald
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.
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Advertise with NZME.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.
