Rapper DMX dead at age 50
Rapper DMX died on Friday at age 50, according to his record label, after he suffered a heart attack.
DMX - also known as actor Earl Simmons - collapsed at home a week ago… and was taken to New York's White Plains Hospital, where fans - within days - held a prayer vigil and danced to his music.
In a Friday statement, his family said he died at the hospital with loved ones by his side after being placed on life support in recent days.
TMZ and Billboard reported his heart attack was triggered by a drug overdose.
DMX had been open about his struggles with illegal drugs.
In a documentary series, the musician said he had been tricked by a mentor into smoking crack at age 14.
“He created a monster,” DMX said… adding: “Cocaine almost took my life on a few occasions.”
His career is also marked by legal troubles and prison time.
In 2017, DMX pleaded guilty in federal court to avoiding paying $1.7 million in taxes from 2000 to 2005 by shifting money among accounts belonging to managers and associates.
Records also showed charges of animal cruelty, reckless driving, drug possession and weapons and probation violations.
The rapper's music illustrated a complex character's "sins of the streets," according to a music biography.
The rapper’s debut album in 1998, "It's Dark and Hell is Hot," was the first of five in a row to top the Billboard 200 chart in the United States.
Throughout this career - DMX released eight albums and was nominated for three Grammys.
