Rapper DMX Dies at Age 50; Check Out DMX Music and Movies at BPL

DMX was the most popular rapper in the U.S. for a decade beginning in 1998.

DMX, one of the most popular rappers in the late 1990s and early 2000s, died at age 50 in a New York hospital today, Friday, April 9, nearly a week after suffering a heart attack.

Born in December 18, 1970 in Mount Vernon, New York as Earl Simmons, DMX became a star in early 1998 when he released his debut album It's Dark and Hell is Hot.    

His biggest hit, Party Up, features the lyrics "Y'all Gon Make Me Lose My Mind, Up in Here, Up in Hear, Y'all Gon Make Me Act a Fool Up in Here Up in Here." It was on his third album, And Then There was X, and remains a popular dance song in nightclubs even today.  

In a statement, DMX family said the rapper spent the past week on life support after suffering "serious health issues."

"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," his family said in a statement. "Earl's music inspired countless fans across the world and his iconic legacy will live on forever. We appreciate all of the love and support during this incredibly difficult time."

Known for danceable hits, lyrics about life on the streets and his deep growly voice, DMX dominated the rap charts for nearly a decade after his debut album was released. When his second album Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood came out  in late 1998, DMX became the only living rapper to top the Billboard album charts twice in the same year.

The Birmingham Public Library and Libraries of Jefferson County have some DMX albums available for checkout.   

DMX used his music to express his pain. From the late 1990s to late 2000s, DMX became the first artist to have an album hit No. 1 five times in a row on the Billboard charts. During the height of his career, DMX became an actor, starring in movie such as "Belly" in 1998, "Romeo Must Die" in 2000, and "Exit Wounds" in 2001. All three movies are available at BPL and Jefferson County Library Cooperative.

Over his career, DMX released seven albums and received seven Grammy nominations. 

After news of his death spread today, tributes to DMX and condolences to his family poured out from hip-hop artists across the nation.

DMX released  a memoir in 2013, E.A.R.L: The Autobiography of DMX, that depicted his rough childhood. He learned to beat box at a young age as a coping mechanism, gaining popularity rapping in clubs before gaining fame with his debut album release at age 27.