DMX: Grammy-nominated rapper dies following cardiac arrest, family confirms

DMX: Grammy-nominated rapper dies following cardiac arrest, family confirms

The 50-year-old, whose real name was Earl Simmons, had been admitted to intensive care in New York on Friday 2 April and was initially placed on life support.

Earlier this week, family, friends and fans had held a vigil outside the hospital.

In a statement announcing his death, his family said relatives had been by his side and described him as “a warrior who fought till the very end”.

Paying tribute, they said: “He loved his family with all of his heart, and we cherish the times we spent with him.” His music, they added, “inspired countless fans across the world, and his iconic legacy will live on forever”

DMX was signed by Columbia Records in 1992 and released his first album, It’s Dark And Hell Is Hot, in 1998.

It debuted at the top of the Billboard 200 albums, and featured hits such as Ruff Ryders’ Anthem, Stop Being Greedy, and Get At Me Dog