DMX’s vulnerability on the mic made it easy for him to connect with his millions of fans. Coupled with his unmistakable gruff and impenetrable vocal power, X’s music provided a lifeline for countless people who often looked to the Ruff Ryders legend for strength.

But on Friday (April 9), Earl “DMX” Simmons lost his fight at White Plains Hospital where he’d been placed on life support following a catastrophic heart attack a week prior. Following the devastating results of a brain function test, the Simmons family was faced with the difficult decision to take him off the machines that were keeping him alive.

DMX Has Died At 50 Following A Week In White Plains Hospital ICU

“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,” the Simmons family wrote in a statement. “DMX 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.”

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DMX has wrestled with substance abuse and mental health issues for most of his life and, as he suggested on the 1998 “Prayer (Skit)” from It’s Dark And Hell Is Hot, had an innate feeling his time on earth was limited.

“And I fear that what I saying, won’t be heard until I’m gone,” he said. “But it’s all good, ’cause I really didn’t expect to live long.”

There’s always been a sense DMX wasn’t afraid to die either. During a February 2021 interview with Drink Champs co-hosts N.O.R.E. and DJ EFN, he said casually said, “If I was to drop dead right now, my last thought would be: ‘I’ve had a good life.’”

With over 74 million albums sold worldwide and a catalog boasting eight studio albums — including the multi-platinum Flesh Of My Flesh Blood Of My Blood — DMX is forever immortalized in music history. Naturally, the Hip Hop community is in a state of collective mourning as they remember their fallen brother. From Method Man and Xzibit to Busta Rhymes and his former Ruff Ryder labelmate Eve, the love is strong on social media.

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As Eve wrote, “#mydog X I know that you are in the place of peace you deserve. I will be forever grateful to have known you. You were one of the most special people I have ever met. Full of Humour, talent, wisdom and love and most of all loyalty. This world has lost a REAL ONE but the heavens have gained an ANGEL. May you Rest.”

Check out some of the reactions below.

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