By Daniel Arkin - NBC News
DMX, the deep-voiced rapper and actor who
topped the charts
with songs like 'Party Up (Up in Here),' has died in his 50s, his family said in a statement Friday.
The rapper, whose real name was Earl Simmons, suffered a heart attack on April 2, according to his attorney, Murray Richman.
He was hospitalized at that time for being in serious health conditions.
"Earl
was a warrior who fought to the end
," his family said in the statement.
"He loved his family with all his heart and we appreciate the times we spent with him."
The White Plains hospital, where the singer was hospitalized, confirmed that DMX passed away "quietly with the family present after suffering a
sudden cardiac arrest
."
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DMX
burst onto the rap scene in 1998
with their first studio album, 'It's Dark and Hell Is Hot'.
The album debuted at # 1 on the Billboard 200 chart, boosted by hits like 'Ruff Ryders Anthem' and others.
He was more successful with albums like '... And Then There Was X' and 'Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood'.
They all debuted at # 1 on the Billboard chart.
DMX
released seven albums
and garnered three Grammy nominations.
He also landed several
roles in Hollywood movies
.
He acted alongside rapper Nas in the 1998 crime drama "Belly," and two years later he joined Jet Li and singer Aaliyah in the action movie "Romeo Must Die."
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He appeared with Steven Seagal on "Exit Wounds" (2001) and re-teamed with Li on "Cradle 2 the Grave" (2003).
He also made a brief appearance in the Chris Rock comedy "Top Five" (2014).
DMX spoke publicly about his experience with
drug use
over the years.
He also faced various legal problems, including repeated arrests and brief stays in jail.
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In an interview last year on rapper Talib Kweli's "People's Party" show, DMX said his drug use
began at age 14
when his then mentor gave him a marijuana cigarette laced with crack.
DMX, who was emotional during the interview, said that he had never smoked anything before that night: "
I would not even do it to my worst enemy
.
"
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The DMX family said in the statement that their music "inspired countless fans around the world and their iconic legacy will live on forever."
"
We appreciate all the love and support
during this incredibly difficult time," they said.
"Please respect our privacy as we mourn the loss of our brother, father, uncle and the man the world knew as DMX."
