DMX (1970 – 2021), born Earl Simmons, was an American rapper and actor. His raw, aggressive style and emotionally charged lyrics made him one of the defining figures of late 1990s and early 2000s hip-hop. He was the first artist to have five consecutive albums debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200.
Born in Mount Vernon, New York, he had a troubled childhood marked by poverty and abuse. He found solace in music, first as a beatboxer before turning to rap. In the 1990s, he signed with Def Jam Recordings, releasing It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot (1998), which became an instant success. Hits like Ruff Ryders' Anthem and Party Up (Up in Here) cemented his status.
Beyond music, he starred in films like Belly (1998), Romeo Must Die (2000), and Cradle 2 the Grave (2003). Despite professional success, he faced legal troubles and substance abuse issues. He was a devout Christian, often incorporating prayers into his albums.
In April 2021, he suffered a heart attack, reportedly caused by a drug overdose, and passed away at age 50. His posthumous album Exodus was released later that year. His legacy as a rap icon remains, influencing generations with his honesty and intensity.