DMX has died

US rapper and actor DMX has died.

DMX in Washington DC 2001 – PIC: Mika-photography/DMX

The news was confirmed by his family who described the legend, real name Earl Simmons’ as “a warrior who fought till the very end”.

Simmons died five days after suffering a heart attack which had put on life support. He died with his family by his side.

“Earl’s music inspired countless fans across the world and his iconic legacy will live on forever”, the family went onto say.

DMX broke out in 1998 and his first album It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot debuted at number 1 in the US Billboard Charts. In the same year he released a second album Flesh of My Flesh Blood of My Blood, which also debuted at number 1. He would become the first rapper to have his first five albums debut at the summit in the charts. His sixth album would debut at number 2.

As all that happened he started out an acting career, most famously appearing opposite the late Aaliyah on Romeo Must Die.

But throughout his life he was dogged by drug addiction and served time in prison for various crimes. These included drug and weapon possession, animal cruelty as well as reckless driving.

But for his fans, it will be his skill as a rapper, a teller of authentic stories that he will be remembered for.

He was 50.