Remembering a rap legend!
DMX, born Earl Simmons, passed away Friday following a heart attack on April 2 that left him on life support. His family released a statement announcing he passed with relatives by his side.
“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,” the Simmons family said. “[He] inspired countless fans across the world, and his iconic legacy will live on forever.”
The rapper and actor known for his iconic growls and bark was born in Mount Vernon, NY, on Dec. 18, 1970, to Arnett Simmons and Joe Barker. He grew up in Yonkers, where he started performing as a beatboxer as a teen. He wrote poetry depicting his struggles which laid the foundation for his lyrics years later as a battle rapper. Although his rough upbringing and gruff demeanor as a rapper sold records, he showed the world there was triumph and healing amidst his pain.
We celebrate him and the joy he spread in music, movies, and his candid moments. He was a multifaceted artist who displayed what it meant to be a human.
Rest in Power DMX. Thank you for sharing your voice, your story, your power, and your presence.
— Kenya Evelyn (@LiveFromKenya) April 9, 2021
Even though you had battles you TOUCHED so many through your MUSIC and when you would PRAY so many people FELT THAT! This is heavy for the HipHop family but your LEGACY LIVES ON & your SPIRIT. Continued Prayers for X family & friends for STRENGTH/HEALING pic.twitter.com/ZI9NI6Nslg
— Missy Elliott (@MissyElliott) April 9, 2021
RIP X!! pic.twitter.com/fxfBH6KH95
— Bootney Lee Fonzworth (@JuiceBake) April 9, 2021
DMX dancing & singing to Lisa Lisa’s “I Wonder If I Take You Home” is quite possibly my favorite video of X because of just how much joy he has pic.twitter.com/uhedRIU1gf
— Talia (@ESOTERICTalia) April 9, 2021
RIP DMX . You deserved more than what this world gave you. You are free now and your music and legacy will live on forever.
— Natelegé Whaley (@natelege_) April 9, 2021
Rest in Peace to Mount Vernon’s own DMX.
Your humanity, music and spirit will forever be felt by the people you touched around the globe. pic.twitter.com/0KjhDtu8IR
— Congressman Jamaal Bowman (@RepBowman) April 9, 2021
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Rest In Peace to a cultural icon. There are no words that can mend this loss. Nothing but fervent love, prayers and peace for DMX’s family, friends and fans. #RIPDMX pic.twitter.com/iLBYNz4WPD
— Pastor West (@Pastor__West) April 9, 2021
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RIP DMX. Your music and energy touched all of our lives. May you finally find the peace you were seeking. pic.twitter.com/M0c09zrM7I
— Britni Danielle (@BritniDWrites) April 9, 2021
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RIP DMX. I pray for the comfort of your children and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/WC5LsaL9j8
— Viola Davis (@violadavis) April 9, 2021
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DMX is a NY legend.
A tri-state legend.
A hip hop legend.
A legend.Rest well DMX.
advertisement— George M Johnson (@IamGMJohnson) April 9, 2021
I think of X similarly to how I do Marvin Gaye. Walking that human line between Heaven and hell, the sacred and secular so transparently.
advertisementHaunted and genius. Hurt and healing.
There are not many who will give their gifts like that so that others may live. #DMX was so special.
— brittany packnett cunningham is on extended break. (@MsPackyetti) April 9, 2021
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Together again. Rest In Peace, DMX. pic.twitter.com/qkC9qROfJJ
— Cordova (@GNCordova) April 9, 2021
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Let’s put some good DMX vibes on the timeline. This was him earlier last week rocking out to MJ. pic.twitter.com/O4xuZWpYWs
advertisement— DJ Heat (@DJHeatDC) April 9, 2021
advertisementThread of my favourite DMX moments. I’m so distraught but I want everyone to see what made me like this guy. From his movies, to his interviews, to his funny moments, to his music. DMX:
— Brooklyn (@LodovicoOsiris) April 9, 2021
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This DMX prayer hit hard when I first heard it and still hits hard today pic.twitter.com/Kb03Q2JfiE
— GUVNA B (@GuvnaB) April 9, 2021
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One of my recent favourite memories of DMX is when he said this long prayer at the beginning of his Verzuz with with Snoop #RIPDMX pic.twitter.com/v3r64pJGs0
— Check Pinned Tweet (@Boujeena) April 9, 2021
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I’m so thankful to @verzuzonline for giving us that magic battle with X and Snoop last year. For many of us our last memories of DMX will include him jamming out to classics he gifted the world in full uncle glory and basking in the joy of receiving his flowers. pic.twitter.com/yNalwAbzeN
— Amanda Parris (@amanda_parris) April 9, 2021
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This and DMX dancing to Baby Be Mine pic.twitter.com/l36MbygbKf
— Da-man O(+ᐳ (@PrinceistheGOAT) April 9, 2021
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His children and family members survive him.
We send our condolences to all those who loved him.
Photo Credit: GQ