Earl Simmons, whose more commonly known as DMX (Dark Man X), has sadly passed away after suffering multiple heart attacks at his home on Friday 2nd April. The critically acclaimed rapper, songwriter and actor was admitted into a New York hospital after the incident where he remained in a coma on life support.

Over DMX’s 20 year career, he earned himself three Grammy nominations and released eight albums, with his debut record It’s Dark And Hell Is Hot debuting at No.1 on the Billboard Top 200 chart in 1998. The American rapper was responsible for countless gritty hits in the late 90s’ and early noughties, including “Party Up (Up In Here)”, “What You Want”, and “X Gon’ Give It To Ya” at a time when hip hop was somewhat averting from its street routes. 

Initial reports have claimed that DMX’s heart attack was a result of a drug overdose. DMX has always been open regarding his issues with substance abuse speaking about attending rehab most recently in 2019. After a week of DMX’s hospitalisation, the rapper, unfortunately, had not regained any brain function, leaving his family to make the agonising decision whether to withdraw his life support. 

Family, friends and fans have shown their love for DMX across the globe with prayer, vigils and heartfelt messages to his family and across social media.

His family described Earl as a "warrior who fought till the very end" adding that “He loved his family with all of his heart and we cherish the times we spent with him”.

Today we remember DMX for his one-of-a-kind and incomparable MC talent as well as the rapper's substantial contribution to both the film and music industries. DMX’s music has inspired countless fans and fellow artists across the world and his iconic legacy will live on forever.