DMX, whose real name is Earl Simmons has died, according to a statement from his family.

DMX died at the age of 50 on Friday at the White Plains Hospital after fighting for his life on life support for almost a week after being rushed to hospital after a drug overdose.

“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 incredibly difficult time,” read the statement.


DMX. PHOTO/COURTESY

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The rapper with a signature raspy voice with dog barks in his lyrics rose to fame with his debut ‘It's Dark and Hell Is Hot’ album which went multi-platinum.

X is known for mega hits like Ruff Ryders Anthem, Party Up (Up In Here), Ain’t No Sunshine, I miss you (Dear Grandma), Slippin’, How It’s Going Down, Lord Give Me A Sign among others.

He also enjoyed an illustrious acting career and featured in action movies like Belly, Romeo Must Die and Cradle 2 the Grave.

Born Earl Simmons in Mount Vernon, New York in 1970, DMX had a traumatic childhood and he revealed in his 2003 autobiography, E.A.R.L: The Autobiography of DMX that he was neglected and abused by his own mother.

DMX. PHOTO/COURTESY

At one point his mother took him and abandoned him in a children's home at the age of 14, which caused him mental anguish that haunted him for the rest of his life.

He also revealed to Noreaga on Revolt Tv that someone he considered a mentor duped him into smoking crack and this initiate his life-long struggle with drug addiction.

At one point he got saved and went into and out of rehab a number of times but confessed he has had a tough life battle with his demons that saw him incarcerated several times.