DMX has died aged at the age of 50, his family have confirmed.

The rapper, whose real name was Earl Simmons, was hospitalised following a heart attack as a result of reported overdose on April 3, where he had remained in intensive care.

• READ MORE: RIP DMX: 10 of the rap legend’s best songs ever

In a statement shared today (April 9), his family wrote: “We are deeply saddened to announce today that our loved one, DMX, birth name of Earl Simmons, passed away at 50-years-old at White Plains Hospital with his family by his side after being placed on life support for the past few days.

“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. 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.

“Please respect our privacy as we grieve the loss of our brother, father, uncle and the man the world knew as DMX. We will share information about his memorial service once details are finalized.”

The hospital treating Simmons added: “White Plains Hospital extends its deepest condolences to the family of Mr. Simmons, as well as his friends and legions of fans who expressed their unwavering support during this difficult time. Earl Simmons passed away peacefully with family present after suffering a catastrophic cardiac arrest.”

Born in Mount Vernon, New York in 1970, Simmons began his rap career as DMX in the early 1990s, releasing his debut album ‘It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot’ in 1998, selling 251,000 copies within its first week of release. The following year he released his best-selling album, ‘… And Then There Was X’, including the hit single ‘Party Up (Up in Here)’.

As well as releasing some of the most influential albums of his era – which saw him become the first rap artist to have his first two albums reach US number one within a year – DMX had an acting career that covered several films, including Romeo Must Die, Cradle 2 The Grave, and Exit Wounds.

The Ruff Ryders rapper had a long history of battling substance abuse that he said began when he accidentally ingested cocaine at the age of 14. His lifelong struggle with addiction saw him enter rehab facilities on multiple occasions.

T.I. was among the first of many artists paying tribute to DMX on social media, writing: “Rest In Peace to a cultural icon. There are no words that can mend the loss the hip-hop community felt today.”

Rest In Peace to a cultural icon. There are no words that can mend the loss the hip-hop community felt today ? #RIPDMX pic.twitter.com/IJdXqfwMJO

— T.I. (@Tip) April 9, 2021

A statement from Def Jam read: “Def Jam Recordings and the extended Def Jam family of artists, executives and employees are deeply and profoundly saddened by the loss of our brother Earl “DMX” Simmons. DMX was a brilliant artist and an inspiration to millions around the world. His message of triumph over struggle, his search for the light out of darkness, his pursuit of truth and grace brought us closer to our own humanity.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and all those who loved him and were touched by him. DMX was nothing less than a giant. His legend will live on forever.”

The rapper had been busy working on his much anticipated comeback album, the proper follow-up to 2012’s ‘Undisputed’.

Speaking in a number of recent interviews, DMX revealed that the album would include features from Lil Wayne, Snoop Dogg, Alicia Keys, Usher, several members of the Griselda crew, and the late Pop Smoke.

In February, he also announced that he had a collaboration with U2’s Bono on the way called ‘Skyscrapers’.