The Grammy-nominated rapper/actor died after suffering "catastrophic cardiac arrest," on Friday according to a statement from the hospital in White Plains, New York. DMX had been in intensive care since April 2 since suffering a heart attack as a result of drug overdose a week before.
"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," the family said in a released statement. "His music inspired countless fans across the world, and his iconic legacy will live on forever."
DMX's debut album It's Dark and Hell Is Hot was released in 1998 to critical acclaim and commercial success. It debuted at number one on the Billboard 200. The album featured four singles: "Get at Me Dog," "Stop Being Greedy," "How's It Goin' Down," and the iconic "Ruff Ryders' Anthem."
Before the year 1998 ended DMX would drop a second album, Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood, only seven months after his debut. It would also debut at #1 making DMX the first rapper to release two number one albums in under a year. The iconic album featured the rapper dripped in blood. Real goat blood had been used for the shoot.
His third album ...And Then There Was X dropped in 1999. It was and still remains his best selling album having been certified 5x Multi-Platinum by the RIAA. This would debut at number one on the Billboard 200, accomplishing the feat for a 3rd time in a row. Three major singles would hlep the album succeed, "What's My Name," "Party Up (Up In Here)," and the Sisqo assisted track "What These Bitches Want."
His 4th and 5th albums The Great Depression and Grand Champ would follow the trend that had been a story of his career by also debuting at number one. This made DMX the first artist in any genre to debut an album at #1 on the Billboard 200 five times in a row. The Great Depression was held down by the singles "We Right Here," "Who We Be" and "I Miss You," which saw assistance from Faith Evans.
Grand Champ would be assisted by "Where the Hood At?" and "Get It on the Floor."
All in all the rapper would release a total of eight albums earning 3 Grammy nominations. DMX was named favourite rap/hip-hop artist at the 2000 American Music Awards.
DMX was also known for being a successful rapper turned actor. He starred in the urban classic Belly and 2000s Romeo Must Die which also featured Jet Li and Aaliyah. DMX would team up with the singer for the soundtrack single "Come Back In One Piece." 2001 saw him team up with Steven Seagal in Exit Wounds and2003 would see him reunite with Jet Li in Cradle 2 the Grave.
When Aaliyah died in 2001 DMX would open the tribute video for her song Miss You along with many other artists and friends in the industry.
DMX made his mark as one of the biggest names in hip-hop during the turn of the millennium. His career was plagued by legal issues and drug addiction which would unfortunately lead to his passing. He was known to always be approachable and looked to be a source of inspiration for those who dealt with some of the same troubles he faced.
It hurts to add his music to this playlist but you can certainly remember the rapper with many of the others we have lost in hip-hop and R&B with our In Remembrance playlist.
