Earl Simmons, the legendary rapper and actor known to millions as DMX, has died at the age of 50.
His family shared the sad news in a statement, explaining that he passed away after being placed on life support for the past few days following a heart attack.
“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.”
They added that he “inspired countless fans across the world, and his iconic legacy will live on forever.”
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Today, musicians, athletes and actors are sharing words of love for the man who not only brought us multi platinum-selling albums and hits including “Get At Me Dog” and “How It’s Goin’ Down”, but also taught us there’s humanity in imperfection and vulnerability:
“Even though you had battles, you TOUCHED so many through your MUSIC and when you would PRAY so many people FELT THAT!” Missy Elliot shared on Twitter.
“This is heavy for the Hip Hop family but your LEGACY LIVES ON & your SPIRIT. Continued prayers for X family & friends for STRENGTH/HEALING.”
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Nasir “Nas” Jones described him as “Gods Poet”, Shaggy called him the “G.O.A.T” and Macklemore praised him for “vividly painting a picture of depression and isolation, conveying emotion in a way that spoke to the spirit.”
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“Through his vulnerability and honesty, he introduced me to a way of therapy via the pen. He inspired me to tell my truth, be a story teller and share wherever I was at. There was no facade in what DMX brought to music. No airbrushed image or intent other than to be him,” Macklemore writes in a post on Instagram.
“You knew where he was at mentally, spiritually and emotionally when you listened. He let us in. That is the greatest gift an artist can give their audience, because it opens up space for others to do the same.”
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Actress Gabrielle Union who worked with DMX on screen, remembered bonding over “dogs, cold beers, Golden Girl reruns” and many other things.
“You always made the time to look out for folks…I am forever grateful for your joy, your laugh, your protection all these years and your hugs anytime I’ve seen you. You are 1 of 1.”
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Music producer Teddy Riley recalled hearing the “rasp” in DMX’s voice and being blown away by his “gift to articulate your message!”
“Didn’t matter if you spoke about pleasure, pain or sharing a prayer – You commanded the room!”
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Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton says he was “devastated to wake up to the death of DMX.”
“I grew up listening to him, his words and stories got me through some difficult times as a kid and I’m so grateful for his wisdom and light. Gone too soon but I hope on to a more peaceful place.”
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Cedric The Entertainer shared a post on Instagram describing him as a “force of a Lion’s Heart we all hope to have.”
He continues, “his stage presence was unmatched. Our brother is a Legend.”
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Def Jam founder Russell Simmons shared a photo of a time when DMX came to his old neighbourhood in Queens to call for peace amid growing violence:
“When gang violence and murders spiked, X was there.”
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Director Spike Lee posted an artwork of DMX by Adrian Franks on Instagram and captioned it: “Today we lost a true hip hop legend and one of the greatest MCs to bless the mic.”
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Rap artist Swizz Beatz recalls the empathy and kindness he showed to so many:
“I watched him take everyone’s pain and make it his own.”
Singer Kelly Rowland thanked DMX for sharing his light and gift with the world: “We are grateful for your time spent here!”
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Actress and activist Yara Shahidi says it’s “surreal to lose another light and poet.”
Busta Rhymes shared a video of them hugging on camera.
He writes, “I hate this but I’m at peace with it because you are finally at peace King. I love you eternally X. For infinity lifetimes, I will forever love you Big bro.”
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And rap star Common praised DMX for showing the world how to pray through Hip Hop:
“You will always be one of the most important ones in our culture and your spirit will live on forever!”
(Feature Image Credit: Hurricanehank/Shutterstock.com)