DMX’s Legacy: ‘God’s Poet’
“It’s the tough things that we go through, hard things we go through, that get us to that point where we’re better and stronger than we’ve ever been.”
Earl Simmons, better known as DMX, was a trail-blazing artist who topped the charts through the late 1990s and early 2000s with his distinct voice and powerful lyrics. Born in Yonkers, Simmons was open about his upbringing that dealt with abuse and was vulnerable with his struggle through his music.
The rapper’s family posted a statement confirming the Yonkers native’s death, saying “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, adding that his music “inspired countless fans across the world.”
His first studio album titled, It’s Dark and Hell is Hot, debuted at No.1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart. The rapper went on to receive three grammy nominations for, 2000’s Best Solo Performance “Party Up”, Best Rap Album …And Then There Was X, and 2001’s Best Solo Performance for “Who We Be”. He then went on to win favorite rap/hip-hop artist at the 2000 American Music Awards.
X released seven studio albums in his career and fronted the Ruff Ryder’s label that started the careers of raps acts Eve and Swizz Beatz.
Simmons also ventured into acting starring in 1998’s Belly film, and 2000’s Romeo Must Die with the late RNB artist Aaliyah. The pair made the song “Come Back in One Piece” for the film’s soundtrack. The rapper also starred alongside hip-hop greats in Aaliyah’s tribute video to her song “Miss You” whose words now are more somber in relation to his tragic passing.
But what was unique about the rapper was the love he had for his community and his philanthropic efforts in restoring joy when many alike could relate to his suffering. Acts such as surprising inner-city homeless men or buying Girl Scout cookies for an entire troop, showed his presence was there.
Hundreds of fans flocked to the hospital to pray and mourn the death of the rapper. X’s daughter shared a heartfelt message to her father and friends shared their condolences on Instagram, Nas posting ‘God’s poet.”
X was able to get his flowers while he was still here in an online Verzuz battle with rapper Snoop Dog that claimed over 500,000 views. A night to remember honoring both men’s talent and contribution to the culture.
DMX was a vessel of pain and fought until the very end.
An icon who truly will be missed.