One of the greatest rappers ever to exist!

He was one of the greatest rappers to grace our lives. His moniker was iconic in the rap world. Mr. Earl Simmons is better known by his stage name DMX. There was high voltage in that moniker. He was also known as Dark Man X. The man left an incredible legacy before passing away. He was an American rapper, songwriter and a movie star. There will be no other aggressive rapper as DMX. He was also a Grammy-nominated rapper and actor who rose to fame in the late 1990s. He also had a great influence in the community. Mainly, he was one of the most influential and controversial rappers in the history of the music industry. This is DMX.

Real name - Earl Simmons

Screen name - DMX

Born - December 18, 1970

Died - April 9, 2021

Height - 5 foot 10 inches (5'10")

Status - Married

Parents - Joe Baker (father) and Arnett Simmons (mother)

Siblings - Not revealed to the public yet

Children - Praise Mary Ella Simmons (daughter), Xavier Simmons (son), Sonovah Junior (daughter), Tocoma Simmons (son), Aidyn Simmons + K'dyn Simmons (twin sons), Shawn Simmons (son). The remaining 10 children haven't been made public yet. In total, he fathered 17 children from 11 different women but married only one of them.

 Table of contents 

• Childhood

• Personal life

• Musical career

• A career in movies

• Legal troubles

• Sudden passing away

• DMX’s impact on hip-hop

• His music style

• Legacy of DMX

• Conclusion

 Childhood 

DMX was born as Earl Simmons on December 18th of the year 1970 and was raised in the city of Mount Vernon (New York, USA). DMX had 3 other siblings in his family. He was the second of four children. His mother, Arnett Simmons, was a drug addict and used to harm him most of the times. His father, Joe Barker, was a painting artist but was a violent alcoholic too. As a kid, he underwent child abuse at his own home. Both his parents used to abuse him badly as he was growing up. His father was very negligent in taking care of the family. He remained largely absent from the life on DMX. This made things really difficult for him early on. DMX was eventually raised by his grandmother named Mary Ella Holloway. She was his lifesaver.

He grew up in a rough neighbourhood. The people were really bad and brought ill reputation around him. He was raised in the infamous School Street projects and claimed the streets of Yonkers as his home. It would influence his early life and push him into developing bad behaviour. He had a difficult childhood marked by abuse and neglect. It affected his proper upbringing because of everything around him. At an early age, he began wandering the streets of Yonkers to escape his mother's abuse and eventually began to take drugs and commit crimes. Anti-social activities were getting a grip on the growing child.

Also at a very young age, he took to rapping and quickly gained a reputation for his raw talent and intense energy. It was an escape for him which became a hobby and it made him realize how he had a talent for it too. He began rapping as a teenager and his talent quickly earned him a reputation on the New York underground hip-hop scene. His skills were getting noticed and liked. He was expelled from school at the age of 14 and he began consuming alcohol and using drugs at such a young age. His teenage life was messed up and he couldn't prevent landing up in trouble always. He was also arrested several times for petty crimes in his teens. The boy didn't care much about his future which affected the way his life was going. He began living on the streets eventually. He was literally homeless and he did not feel like going home because of all the abuse he would have to endure there. He also spent time in juvenile detention and prison. Very quickly, he earned a lengthy rap sheet.

In the year 1986, Simmons was arrested for the first time, in connection with drug possession and then sent to prison. His life seemed ruined but there was a silver lining. While in prison, he befriended another rapper named K-Solo who encouraged him to take rap more seriously after witnessing his talent for the genre. He gave DMX the advice to make rapping as his career once he was released after the prison sentence. Upon his release, Simmons met a local rapper named Ready Ron and the two of them formed the group 'K-Solo Presents: The Warlocks'. DMX was all set to change his life with rapping.

 Personal life 

DMX had a very unsettling personal life. Not only had he been abused as a child but it made him go astray eventually. He struggled very much with beating his drug addiction habits and violence all through his life. It seemed that he had no way out of the messed up life. He was heavily addicted to drugs and alcohol and he had several run-ins with the law. His rap sheet kept growing with no end in sight. He was arrested numerous times for assault, animal cruelty, bad driving and drug possession. These habits got a firm grip around him and wouldn't let go. He had a history of domestic violence too which worsened his already legal problems. His interpersonal skills were terrible and unbearable. He struggled with his addiction to narcotics and faced legal run-ins throughout his entire career. Even after picking up the rap career, he was relapsing back to his old life habits. In the year 2010, he was sentenced to one year in prison for violating his parole. It seemed that criminal life was his major life choice than rapping. He had to file for bankruptcy in the year 2013. DMX was broke and penniless by that time.

DMX was married three times. None of them stuck with him because of his troubled life. He had four children with his first wife named Tashera Simmons. He had one child with his second wife named Desiree Lindstrom. He had one child with his third on-and-off girlfriend named Yadira Borrego. But he had many children from his multiple marriages. He was a father of 17 children in total at the time of his unfortunate passing away. His daughter named Praise Mary Ella Simmons is his only famous child while the rest have managed to remain off the public eye. DMX made sure that his other children and their lives were kept private. He was a loving father and his children were his biggest source of inspiration. He loved them to death and so did they. DMX's death was a major loss for his family and friends. It was sudden and untimely. Nobody was expecting it to happen when it happened. He will always be remembered as a talented rapper, a loving father and a deeply troubled man. His contributions to show business will always remain beloved to all of his fans and followers.

DMX and wife Tashera Simmons

As a kid, he was raised as a Jehovah’s Witness but he soon fell out of faith. He found faith to be bothersome and something that wouldn't solve problems. He didn’t want to follow the religion any more, citing a need for clarity about things. He felt better without it. However, DMX became a deeply religious man towards the end of his life. He went back to religion and found solace in faith again. When he was incarcerated once, he became a born-again Christian and decided to turn his life around for his new-found path. He found meaning to things from that perspective and decided to pursue it. He stated that he’d read the Bible every day and that this religion gave him a greater purpose in life. This is typical of prisoners in the United States and he switched to Christianity. He would often mention about his faith in his music. Jesus would be given credit in some of his lyrics and he even seemed to start producing religious music. He even put out few gospel songs for a while. He turned from a commercial rapper to a producer of Christian music. 'Lord, give me a sign!' is his most famous gospel song. In his own words...

"I came here to meet somebody...don't know who it was, but I'll know when I see him. And I came here to give him a message. And that message is Jesus loves them".

He had a chance to give a sermon at a church in the city of Phoenix (Arizona, USA) in the year 2016 which he did. Religion gave him peace from a life of ordeal. He decided to live this new life forever. Although, he wanted to become a fully-ordained Pastor, he couldn’t achieve that goal in his lifetime. DMX had to pass away before his time unfortunately. He remained a transitional Deacon up until his sudden passing away. He held on to his faith and preached of it till his last moments.

 Musical career 

Despite his troubled upbringing, Simmons found his solace in music. Music took him away from all the pain which helped him calm down and also express his feelings to the world. He was influenced by the hip hop artists of the early 1980s such as LL Cool J, Run-DMC and Public Enemy. These were really big names in rap during the era. He entered the rapping scene in the early 1990s and started putting his rap talent to good work. He was composing and singing amazing rap songs that the fans of the genre liked. He quickly became one of the most popular and influential rappers of his generation. His songs were creative and powerful.

In the year 1985 when he was aged just 14, he commenced his career in music. But he was in prison when he picked up the career. Right after completing his incarceration around that time, he began composing and creating his own songs. His originals featured to the general public. He would be performing his songs locally around where he lived. Yes, he started small. He was again imprisoned in the year 1988. He couldn't keep himself from trouble even while on the path of redemption. With a lot of free time behind bars now, he became vested in the hobby of making songs. While in there, he gave it serious attention. He was writing his own rap lyrics and had met with a rapper named K-Solo. They found each other with similar interests. In the year 1988, he formed the rap group 'The Warlocks' with his friends. They were ready to conquer the rap world. The group released an album named 'It's Dark and Hell Is Hot' in the year 1991. It hit success.

He got signed with Def Jam Records in February of the year 1998 through whom he had released his debut album titled It's Dark and Hell Is Hot. It was the break that he had needed to launch himself. The album was a critical and a massive commercial success. The listeners loved what they heard. It instantly sold over 250,000 copies in it's first week of release itself! The album was full of incredible music tracks that appealed to rap fans. DMX's musical breakthrough came with the release of this debut album. Sales wasn't the end for that album. It quickly shot up to number 1 on the Billboard 200 chart too. It was a certified triple platinum by the RIAA. Soon, songs from the album was all over the air. The album gave us the hit singles like 'Get At Me Dog' and 'X Gon' Give It to Ya'. These are wildly hit songs that everyone loved.

DMX followed up his debut album with a string of successful ones. Success from the debut told him that he was moving in the right direction. He released his second album 'Flesh Of My Flesh, Blood Of My Blood' in the year 1998. This turned out to be bigger. The album was also a mega hit and a big commercial success. He had achieved huge success with the follow up album. It also reached number 1 on the Billboard 200 chart. It was certified quadruple platinum by the RIAA. It was a mind-blowing achievement! The album had the hit singles like 'How's It Goin' Down' and 'Slippin''. These songs set the rap world on fire.

DMX put out his third album 'The Great Depression' in the year 2001. It would also become a massive win. The album was a critical and commercial success just like his previous albums. And, it would also achieve acclaim in the industry. The Great Depression reached number 1 on the Billboard 200 chart too. It was certified a triple platinum by the RIAA. He began ruling the rap world. The album gave us the hit singles like 'What's My Name?' and 'Party Up (Up in Here)'. These songs were definitely cool and shook heads. They were featuring everywhere and people were loving this new rapper.

DMX continued to release successful albums throughout the 2000s. He was releasing albums after albums then on. He released four more albums namely The Definition of X (2000), Grand Champ (2003), Year of the Dog...Again (2006) and Darkness on the Edge of Town (2007). These albums became firebrands that brought him great reputation as a rap artist. All of these albums were certified platinum or multi-platinum by the RIAA and they stayed on top of the charts for a long while. It had to happen because of the incredibly great quality in them.

But his career declined in the mid-2000s due to his many battles against drug addiction and legal cases. He was constantly running into troubles one way or the other. However, he made a comeback in the year 2012 with a release of the album 'Undisputed'. It seemed to resurrect his rap career. The album was a critical and commercial hit. Since he had a great talent for rapping, everything he touched turned to gold. It was well-accepted by the audience and fans. By then, his fan base had reached global proportions. It helped him to re-establish himself as a comeback or a force in hip-hop. Seems he was redeeming himself once again. Things appeared hopeful for the struggling rap star.

DMX (far left) with Jay Z (middle) and Ja Rule (far right)

He was able to put out 7 studio albums in total. These albums skyrocketed his career to great heights. He also released several compilation albums and mix-tapes. They all overachieved their purpose in music. All of his albums were certified either platinum or multi-platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). They were up there among the ace. His songs were Billboard toppers nevertheless. They were outright livid and powerful. He was nominated for 3 Grammy Awards and won a Billboard Music Award for Top Rap Male Artist in the year 2000. It enhanced his reputation in the industry. He was also inducted into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame in the year 2017. He couldn't finish releasing his final album since he had left us by then. His eighth album titled 'Exodus' was posthumously released on May 28, 2021 via Def Jam Records. It was sad but also a celebration of a great rapper's work and his loyal fans loved it.

 A career in movies 

With his celebrity looks, ripped build and all the success he had achieved, Hollywood  was coming his way. In his prime, he had the movie star looks. Hence, he was cast in major roles of few Hollywood movies. He played both antagonist and protagonist figures in there. DMX had a successful acting career too because he was a good actor. Not only was he a good rapper, he was an action guy too. He appeared in hit movies such as 'Romeo Must Die' (2000), 'Exit Wounds' (2001), 'Cradle 2 The Grave' (2003) and 'Last Hour' (2008). These were all movies of action and crime. His acting carried the weight of these movies. He was also a voice actor and he voiced the character of the Trickster in the animated film 'Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island' (1998). Because of all this, he gained worldwide fame.

These were just some of his popular movies. He was able to star along side big names like Jet Li, Steven Seagal etc. He went to star in many other movies and a TV show about himself. His acting was incredible and his fitness was at it's prime too. He was a charismatic and talented actor. His presence brought intimidation and power into the movies. He contributed an unique intensity to his roles. It seems that he seamlessly merged into acting just like he did with his rapping. His movies went to become hits and be loved by the global audience. Have you watched his movies listed above? Which one is your favourite of all?

 Legal troubles 

DMX’s career was marred by controversy. He fell into trouble with the law very early as he grew up. Although he was a great rapper and an actor, he has an extensive list of convictions. Yes, convictions...he was guilty as charged. He had a history of drug abuse and multiple run-ins with the law since his teenage years. He was in the both extremes of life. In his short life, he had been incarcerated over 30 times and hence served a lot of time behind bars. His prison time seems to be as balanced as his success. He was first jailed when he was only 16 years old in the year 1986. It started with small crimes and misdemeanours. He had stolen someone’s dog back then. The boy was caught and wasn't let go. He and a fellow-inmate managed to jail break together. Breaking out of prison is a felony in the States with additional sentence piling up on the existing ones. Upon returning home, he was forced to turn himself in again by his mother which he did and went on to complete his sentence fully. But his criminal life didn't end there and more was imminent.

DMX completed the final sentence of his life and was released in the year 2019. With that, his life of crimes had ended for good after decades. He was convicted for tax fraud in the year 2017. DMX was found guilty of defrauding the government with regard to taxes. He was initially set free (pending sentencing) but remanded later due to him relapsing back to drug addiction. He wasn't offered leniency this time. A heavy fine of $2.3 million was imposed upon him as a restitution to the government. It came as a big blow for him. He was imprisoned in the years 1986, 1998, 2000, 2007, 2008, 2013, 2015 and 2017. The man just couldn't stay out of legal problems. Throughout his life, he was convicted and faced multiple prison time for the following crimes...

• Animal cruelty

• Assault

• Carjacking

• Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

• Failure to pay child support

• Impersonating a federal agent

• Possession of drugs

• Probation-violation

• Reckless/dangerous driving

• Robbery

• Tax evasion

• Unlicensed driving

A police mugshot of DMX during his incarceration

He underwent prison time in various US cities such as Metropolitan New York, Arizona, California, South Carolina and New York. After serving prison stints all over these cities, he found religion and tried to live a decent life until his demise. Despite his many personal problems, DMX remained a popular and hugely influential rapper. People overlooked his crimes and adored his skills as an actor and rapper. His fans loved his talent and were entertained thoroughly. They kind of worshipped him for his exceptional skills on-screen. People still overlook his criminal past because it seems unfortunate and a matter of his mental health conditions. They are able to sympathize with him due to his terrible upbringing that shaped his personal life. Many opine how that a skilled child shouldn't have gone through what he had to.

 DMX passes away 

He had stated that he first developed an addiction to drugs during his teenage years. DMX was living in a bad neighbourhood with all sorts of bad influence around. He was only 14 when smoked his first one. It gave him a new high along with lots of relief. He found it as a means to cope with the abuse at home. Ever since that first whiff, he couldn’t seem to put off the habit or overcome the lure. It would go on to take over and control his whole life. But prior to developing a drug addiction, he was already born with a breathing issue. His birth problem had no treatment back then and so it meant a hard life. He had constantly suffered very intensely from a bronchial asthma. The case he had was terrible especially while sleeping. It would cause him to wake up in the middle of the night with breathing difficulties as he slept. It meant an intense battle to breathe and disruption of a proper sleep. He would become breathless suddenly due to the asthma attacks and they had to rush him to a hospital every time it happened. It became a routine and nothing could be done at home.

But the main problem which affected his health was his addiction to drugs and substance abuse. The addiction gripped his life and wouldn't let go. He underwent drug rehabilitation in 3 years but he always managed to relapse despite all the efforts. It became impossible for him to work his way around the habit. He had cancelled concerts in the years 2002, 2017 and 2019 in order to attend drug rehabilitation programmes several times. Each time he tried to overcome, he just couldn't win against drug addiction. Even with all the help he sought and was receiving, the addictions were stronger. In the year 2013, he would suffer a heart attack and be hospitalized for several weeks. He came real close to dying back then.

Then in February of 2016, he was found unresponsive at a parking lot of the hotel Ramada Inn (New York) due to a substance consumption. Upon discovery, emergency services were called and he got lucky again. He was resuscitated by the first responders and intravenously revived with an opioid-reversal drug. It worked and he was revived successfully. But he went on to claim that he had an asthma attack. He tried to downplay the gravity of what had happened to him. He even denied the claim of a witness who saw him collapse after consuming a substance. It was clear that he was trying to save his face.

DMX in 2006

On April 2nd of the year 2021, he overdosed from drugs at home and suffered a heart attack. His heart was on overdrive from effects of the substance he took. He was immediately rushed to White Plains Hospital (New York) and was declared to be in a critical condition by the hospital. Nothing looked hopeful for him this time. Things only went downhill for him from there. His response to treatments appeared troubled. The next day, he was on life support system due to worsening complications from the overdose and that heart attack. His organs were failing and they needed external assistance. That same evening, he lapsed into cerebral hypoxia as the medical team attempted resuscitations on him for atleast 30 minutes. His body had reached grim conditions and a recovery looked impossible. His brain and lungs had failed by then which rendered him in a condition of vegetative state. They wouldn't revive no matter what doctors tried. He remained comatose for the next couple of days without responding much to any of the treatments. The medical team anticipated that he wasn't going to make it out alive and his dear ones were let known about this.

He underwent several tests during these days concerning his brain’s activities so that his family could decide on what to do with the results. Each time, the results were bad news and soon the family would have to decide if they wanted to pull the plug on him or not. By the morning of April 9th, all his vital organs had totally ceased functioning as well. His liver, lungs and kidneys were totally done for. Nothing could be done to get them working again. Shortly after these happened, he was pronounced as having passed away. DMX was no more and the world was let known of it. Tragically, he had passed away at the age of only 50 years old. He died prematurely and young. On July of the year 2021, it was officially stated that his death occurred from a drug-induced heart attack. Finally, his substance habits gained the upper hand on his life.

His death was a major loss for the hip-hop community and he is still being mourned by fans from around the world even after 2 years. Even today, people find it unbelievable that he is no more. If we enquire of those who were exposed to his music and loved them, they wouldd voice opinions of tragedy over his death. The world wasn't prepared to handle news of his sudden passing away. His sudden and unfortunate passing away was a big shock because it was unexpected and he was still young. He looked fit and healthy with no problems visible. Just when he had seemed to be overcoming and recovering in life, he had passed away. DMX was singing gospel music and had really made a change in his life at that point. He remains a respected and popular figure despite his lengthy list of legal troubles. The man was an idol for many across the world. His life remains a great lesson about the human cost of fame, drug addictions and abiding the law. He went through a spectrum of both extremes. His music has inspired many people from many countries. They love his movies and songs. His legacy will continue to live on for many years to come and will never cease. He will remain the most iconic rappers of our time.

 DMX’s impact on hip-hop 

DMX was a talented rapper and an equally good actor who had a profound impact on hip hop culture. He brought great productions to the table with his career. He is a pioneer in the hip-hop genre and holds his place among the elites. His rap music was filled with intensity that would pull you in. He is a legend in the hip-hop scene. There will be no other DMX. DMX was one of the most influential rappers of all time. He was able to deliver hit albums right from the time he debuted in the market. DMX broke as well as set several records in the music industry. They are yet to be surpassed by another rapper. He helped to define the sound of East Coast hip-hop in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Back then, rap was a battle for survival and only the strongest could face the ruthlessness. His aggressive and often violent lyrics helped to change the course of the rap genre. Nobody has ever heard of him having a beef with other rappers and so it was purely mad skills on his part that got him famous. DMX was also a major crossover star and his music appealed to fans of all races and backgrounds. His music played on the air in other countries which widened his reach. He has fans from everywhere in the world. To this day, they are finding it difficult to digest that favourite star is not amongst them anymore.

DMX's impact on hip-hop can be seen in the work of many of today's top rappers. He remains idolized in the rap world. His influence can be heard in the music of artists like Jay-Z, Kanye West and Lil Wayne. Nobody else has yet appeared as impactful with the kind of voice that DMX had. Rappers across the world might mention of an influence from him. His voice was unique and it had the kind of resources to produce aggressive rap music. DMX was a true original and his music will continue to inspire and influence rappers for years to come. He is immortalized in the hearts of all his fans and listeners.

 His music style 

DMX was known for his aggressive and often violent lyrics which often dealt with themes of drug addiction, poverty, redemption and violence. It represented and spoke of the hood life. He popularised aggressive style of rapping, dark gritty lyrics and a very distinctive vocal delivery. DMX had a gifted voice that was made for aggression and rage. Somehow, it was melodiously fitting for singing too. He was also known for his energetic live performances which often included crowd surfing and stage diving. The man knew how to engage his live audience in the spirit of what he was doing. He was a unique and original artist who broke the mould of what a rapper could be. His voice was utterly manly and gutteral. While artists like Puff Daddy was popular at his time, he achieved huge success with his rugged and less marketable style. He stood out different from among them. It was like he snatched the reins off of high budget artists of his time. He had the right combination of a star material.

DMX had a troubled personal life that included drug addiction, financial difficulties and legal problems. He had to juggle between this and that until his final days. But he never gave up on his dreams. DMX tried to fleece the best out of his dreams and make them come true. He was a true inspiration to many people. His fans are from all over the world who still continue to endear him. Simmons' music will continue to be enjoyed by fans for years to come. His music and songs are timeless and a powerdrive for all generations. He will be remembered for his raw talent, his dark lyrics and his troubled personal life. His skills were super rare and there is still no one like him anywhere in the world.

 Legacy of DMX 

DMX’s legacy is a very complex and multifaceted one. It is one with hills and valleys. He was a talented rapper who made a significant impact on the hip-hop world. No one else could be him or take his place. He was a brilliant rapper with raw talent that was unmatched by many of his peers. There will be no other DMX. He was a true original and his music will continue to inspire and entertain fans for years to come. His music is timeless. DMX was a pioneer in hip-hop and his music helped to change the course of the genre. He brought something that hadn't existed into the rap world. Simmons was a controversial figure but he was also one of the most talented and influential rappers of all time. There is no ignoring his superior skills in the game. His music spoke to the pain and struggles of the inner city and his live performances were legendary. His songs spoke of the daily walks of life. He will be remembered as one of the greatest rappers of his generation. He strengthened rap music without a beef against anyone. DMX was a ground-breaking rapper who helped to define the sound of hip hop in the late 1990s and early 2000s. His music compelled other artists to top it and pushed them to feel challenged. He made some of the most memorable music in those 2 decades. Today, he remains a highly respected veteran in rap music.

He was known for his aggressive style of rapping, dark gritty lyrics and his distinctive vocal delivery. DMX took over lion share in the rap scene. He was known for raw energy and intense delivery. The music he made was equally full of rage that fit his songs. He was also a gifted songwriter and his lyrics often dealt with themes of faith, redemption and violence. They remain unique for all times. DMX was also a successful actor. The man brought ample effect into the roles he played. He had appeared in several movies before leaving us. These movies had big names and also ended up being great hits at the box office. He was a complex and troubled figure but he was also a talented artist who left a lasting legacy on hip hop. He did struggle and toil all his career and personal life. Simmons' music has inspired generations of rappers and his lyrics are still relevant today. His music would give you energy and self-esteem. He was a pioneer of the hardcore rap genre and his music helped to bring attention to the problems of poverty, substance abuse and violence in the inner city. His music is extremely unique.

A 'DMX Shrine' installed by his fans outside the White Plains Hospital (NY), where he died

However, he was also a troubled man who wrestled to live a normal life. Trouble kept visiting him and being his pal. But through it all, he remained a charismatic and compelling artist who connected with fans on a deep level. His life might have been a mess but he tried to lift your spirits with his incredible music. His death is a reminder of the human cost of fame and the importance of mental health. It is a tandem journey that can have implications on the psyche. But, he was also a kind and generous soul who was always willing to help others. People could reach out to him and he was a humble down-to-the-earth person.

Even though DMX's life was a rollercoaster ride, he never gave up on his dreams. He achieved stardom with his incredible hard work nevertheless. He was a survivor and he fought for what he believed in. His life brought change and learnings to others. He will be forever remembered as a legend in the game. What remains of him are all the beloved memories that he left behind. His music will continue to inspire people for years to come. It is the only evidence of an great human being. He was a true original and his legacy will live on for many years to come. I am myself a big fan of his movies and music. His legacy will live on for generations to come. Newer generations will discover him on the internet and learn of his valuable contributions to this world.

 Conclusion 

DMX was a ingenious rapper who had a major impact on the hip hop community. The man brought new style and he pioneered it for decades. He became famous for his aggressive rapping style and his dark (often violent) lyrics. They were powerful and strong. Despite his personal struggles, DMX remains a popular and respected figure in the hip hop community. There shall be no other DMX. Here are a brief summary about Earl Simmons aka DMX...

• He was born into a poor family and raised in a violent neighbourhood.

• He was abused by his mother and stepfather as a kid.

• He dropped out of high school at the age of 14.

• He was addicted to drugs and alcohol for many years.

• He was arrested over 30 times for various crimes.

• He was married 3 times and had 17 children.

• He was raised as a Jehovah’s Witness but turned into a Christian later in life.

• He died of a heart attack in the year 2021.

• DMX was born with breathing issues and a heart defect, which led to him having several heart attacks.

• DMX was a devout Christian and he often spoke about his faith in his music and interviews.

• DMX was a vocal advocate for animal rights and he often donated money to animal shelters.

• DMX was a close friend of the late rapper Tupac Shakur.

• DMX was the subject of the 2006 documentary "DMX: Behind the Music".

• DMX was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2023.

• His style inspired the genesis of horrorcore genre.

Signature of DMX

Hope you enjoyed reading about the legendary rapper DMX. What are your first memories of DMX? Did you grow up in his generation or are you a new gen who hasn’t heard much of his music? Do you look up to DMX for a role model? What are your thoughts on a person who lived as a good and bad human simultaneously? Which is your favourite DMX song? Why do you like it? Are you a fan or critic of DMX? How do you feel about his untimely passing? What is your message to the world about drug addiction and mental health? Are you a professional in any such area and could you have saved DMX’s life with your expertise? Do post your valuable comments below.

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