They added, “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.
Prince Williams/Wireimage
We appreciate all of the love and support during this incredibly difficult time.
We will share information about his memorial service once details are finalized.”
DMX struggled with substance abuse for many years, and was open about his battle with addiction.
DMX and Gabrielle Union in ‘Cradle 2 the Grave’.Cradle 2 the Grave: Claudette Barius
His first five albums, beginning with 1998’sIt’s Dark and Hell Is Hot, all debuted at No.
1 on theBillboard200, a milestone he remains the only rapper ever to have achieved.
His mother frequently abused him, knocking out two of his teeth when he was six years old.
DMX also faced legal difficulties and personal struggles throughout his adult life.
He was arrested dozens of times on numerous charges, including drug possession, animal abuse, and robbery.
He spent much of his life in and out of prison, most recently in 2018 for tax evasion.
But his legal issues belied a devout Christian faith and a sensitivity that often came across in interviews.
“Performing in front of people is beyond a high.
It’s beyond a high that any drug could duplicate,“he toldGQin 2019.
“Just being onstage, period, and knowing that there’s so much love out there.
I pray before I go onstage with everyone in the room.
And I end my show with a prayer onstage.
I’m like, ‘Who am I to deserve this?’
We all bleed the same blood.”
