Photo credits: Noam Galai/Getty Images
Heralded in hip-hop and at one time, ubiquitous in film, the legendary Earl “DMX” Simmons (pictured) has been called home a week after suffering a massive heart attack at his home in White Plains, New York.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Simmons’s family confirmed that he passed away on Friday (April 9) after being admitted April 2 to White Plains Hospital. Simmons’s former manager, Steve Rifkind, released a statement Thursday (April 8), which countered media rumors that his client had previously passed away before Friday afternoon (April 9).
However, the ultimate source of correction and validity came from Simmons’s family, which released a statement confirming the icon’s death.
“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. Earl’s music inspired countless fans across the world, and his iconic legacy will live on forever,” reads the Simmons family statement.
“We appreciate all of the love and support during this incredibly difficult time. Please respect our privacy as we grieve the loss of our brother, father, uncle, and the man the world knew as DMX. We will share information about his memorial service once details are finalized,” the statement goes on to read.
Though the media and the entertainment industry’s oppressive class have put out damning, unsubstantiated, and flat-out untrue reports about Simmons’s severe health ailment and subsequent death, his family, business management, attorney, fans, as well as his close friends in Hollywood and beyond have remained solid.
Roughly 30 of the superstar rapper’s 50 years of age were spent in the national spotlight. In various song lyrics and in his 2002 autobiography (titled E.A.R.L.), Simmons spoke about his childhood struggles and fears, as well as the legal and substance abuse struggles he dealt with from adolescence through adulthood.
But the racist, gender-clashing, classist, and fascist American media has always used the confessions of society’s biggest stars against them. No reports of Simmons dying from a drug overdose have ever been authenticated by any doctor or qualified medical spokesperson at White Plains Hospital for the past week, nor has any ingested overdose substance been verified.
Regardless of America’s typical demonization of black men (in life and death), the indelible legacy of Earl Simmons will live on with glee. May he rest in peace.
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