After days of hoping and praying for a miracle, fans of Hip Hop artist DMX learned the devastating news that he died Friday morning.

What You Need To Know

  • Earl "DMX" Simmons, 50, died after suffering a heart attack
  • DMX won an American Music Award, was nominated for several Grammy Awards. His critically acclaimed albums reached platinum status
  • DMX spoke, rapped candidly about his troubled youth, battle with addiction

  • His signature bark and raspy voice were prominent in his music

“It’s heartbreaking. I started listening to X at 14, 15 years old. I used to rap in the mirror. I thought I was X. He is such an inspiration to the rap game. I feel like he’s the backbone of hip-hop,” said Joe Young.

DMX whose real name is Earl Simmons was born in Mount Vernon and grew up in Yonkers.

He had been clinging to life for nearly a week at White Plains Hospital, after suffering a heart attack.

“He is Yonkers. He really is Yonkers and that’s how it is. That’s it,” said Javier Santiago.

In a statement, his family confirmed his passing, then the tributes poured in from other Hip Hop stars like Busta Rhymes and former Ruff Ryders label mate, Eve.

“He was a legend and a humble person. He’s been through some things but it doesn’t make you a bad person," said Earnest G.

A motorcycle, served as the centerpiece of a memorial outside the hospital. The 50-year-old was a fan of riding and featured bikes, as well as pit bull dogs in his music videos.
Fans of the rapper, poet, actor and father gathered at the tribute, at times dancing and singing his songs as loudly as they could.

The award winning artist spoke and rapped candidly about his struggles with addiction and the law. His honesty and vulnerability some say are what made the music of DMX so powerful, and the man, Earl Simmons, so relatable.

“He still was able to make good music and have everybody support him. We still pulled for him, even though he had those demons he was chasing. We still pulled for him because we all have demons,” said Keisha Hudson.

Though he rose to fame in the late 90’s, recently his songs helped attract hundreds of thousands of viewers to Instagram in a Versus Battle. The co-founder of the Ruff Ryders told NY1 there was a kind side to the rapper those close to him got to see.

“The main thing he was is a giving person. He always gave to people. Always because he came up and didn’t have much,” said Darrin "General" Dean.

Soon fans will get to hear new music from the late rap icon. DMX completed a new album. He was working on his come back right before his death.