New York (AFP)
The American rapper DMX died Friday in a hospital in the New York suburbs, where he had been hospitalized in critical condition for a week.
He was 50 years old.
DMX, real name Earl Simmons, one of the great figures of hip-hop of the late 90s and early 2000s, was hospitalized last Friday after a heart attack at White Plains hospital, north of New York.
"Earl was a fighter who fought to the end," his family said in a statement widely echoed on social media just after news of his death was announced.
"He loved his family with all his heart, and we treasure the times spent with him (...)" His music has inspired countless fans around the world. "
"DMX was a brilliant artist and an inspiration to millions of people around the world," said Def Jam Recordings, record company with which he had released several of his most famous albums, in a separate press release.
"His message of victory through combat, his search for light to emerge from the darkness, his quest for truth and grace has brought us closer to our own humanity".
"He was nothing less than a giant (...) His legend will live on forever".
His family should communicate soon on the organization of his funeral.
On Monday, several hundred of his fans gathered outside the hospital to pray for his recovery.
Author of eight albums, the last in 2015, DMX was among hip-hop's darkest figures, exposing his inner demons in tracks that have earned him both commercial and critical success.
Known to have had drug problems, he had notably undergone drug rehab in 2019.
Throughout his career, he was often in trouble with the law, with charges of possession of narcotics, cruelty to animals, dangerous driving, non-payment of alimony, or even posing as a federal agent.
© 2021 AFP