By Mark Gray
5:36am PDT, Apr 10, 2021
Ride free, Ruff Ryder. One week after reportedly suffering a heart attack that left him unresponsive and on life support, DMX passed away at the age of 50 at a New York hospital, his family announced. On April 9, as his organs were reportedly failing, the rapper's family made the difficult decision to take him off of life support. X, his family said, "was a warrior who fought till the very end." In the lead up his death, the rapper had been "in a vegetative state, [with] lung and brain failure and no brain activity," X's former manager told Buzzfeed News. Following his death, many in entertainment paid tribute to DMX on social media. Click through to read how he's being honored.
RELATED: Stars we lost in 2021
"DMX. His gift meant so much to so many. Sending love to his family." —Halle Berry
"RIP DMX. I pray for the comfort of your children and loved ones." –Viola Davis
"No words right now. Nothing but fierce love, prayers and protection for X's family, friends and fans. This loss is devastating. #RIPDMX," Gabrielle Union tweeted. On Instagram, she posted a photo from their 2003 film "Cradle 2 The Grave." She wrote, "I was praying I wouldn't have to think about how to describe what you meant to me. We bonded over our shared love of dogs, cold beers, Golden Girls reruns, New Edition and adventures. From random nights of go-karting in the hills of Sherman Oaks to bowling to just sitting in your trailer laughing with @anthonyanderson talking 80s soul music. We had litter mate dogs that you bought at 4am on set in Long Beach. You got Pebbles and Bam Bam and I got my beloved Bubba (best dog to ever live) You introduced me to the @ruffryders and @therealswizzz who have always treated me like family over the last 20 plus years. You introduced me to the @defjam family that remains family to this day. You always made the time to look out for folks.. I am forever grateful for your joy, your laugh, your protection all these years and your hugs anytime I've seen you. You are 1 of 1. Rest in eternal peace my friend. Rest."
"Rest In Peace to a cultural icon. There are no words that can mend the loss the hip-hop community felt today #RIPDMX" –T.I.
LeBron James posted several of DMX's songs and photos to his Instagram Story, including the hit "Slippin.'" He also tweeted, "X 4L!! Rest In Paradise LEGEND!!"
"Rest in Heaven DMX" –Chance The Rapper
""#Mydog I know that you are in the place of peace you deserve. I will be forever grateful to have known you. You were one of the most special people I have ever met. Full of Humour, talent, wisdom and love and most of all loyalty. This world has lost a REAL ONE but the heavens have gained an ANGEL.May you Rest #rip#dmx#ruffrydersfamily." –Eve
"Even though you had battles you TOUCHED so many through your MUSIC and when you would PRAY so many people FELT THAT! This is heavy for the HipHop family but your LEGACY LIVES ON & your SPIRIT. Continued Prayers for X family & friends for STRENGTH/HEALING" –Missy Elliott
"Very Very Very few will EVER do it like you homie…. Man! This sucks… Tooooo Fn young to go. Rest easy X." –Ice T
"RIP DMX ONE OF MY INSPIRATIONS ESPECIALLY WIT THE BIKES! BRING THEM BIKES OUT!" –Meek Mill
"BLESS UP THE ICON DMX" –DJ Khaled
"I'm truly beyond devastated !!!!!! But I'm so happy my brother is no longer in pain . I watched him take everyone's pain and make it his own. I send my love and support to his entire family. My brother we will never let them forget your name and you will live forever F.A.M.E Long live King DMX THE GREAT AKAmy brother 4 Life Earl Simmons. Damn Dog" –Swizz Beatz
"Gods Poet. I Love You" –Nas
"Rest in beats Brother X" –Public Enemy
"I do feel like a piece of my childhood was lost today. I remember watching videos of DMX at Woodstock '99 and waking up every morning at 6am just so I could catch the music video to Party Up on MTV. There's a reason why his music still goes OFF today. Timeless. RIP DMX." –Charlie Puth
"We are forever indebted forever X can't believe it can't believe it rest in power X praying for your family and real loved ones who was with you everyday at this time…. Thank you for the inspiration thank you for introducing so many lost souls to The LORD JESUS CHRIST !!!!!! Rest in heaven X rest!!!!" –Tyrese
"The DOG i tried to down play it and remain positive. We've been in this game for a while you've always wore your heart on your sleeve, it hasn't been an easy journey for you but that's what makes you X. We love you my brother I'm so sorry for the family's lost this is one of the most saddest days in Hip Hop. God bless you X your music will live forever and we'll never forget you or the impact you've had in the game." –Fat Joe
"Ughhh RIP legend RIP DMX Horrible News" –Pauly D
"Rest well X… you are LOVED #legend" –Marlon Wayans
"Sending prayers up for DMX's family, friends and countless fans. #DMX" –Sherri Shepherd
"One of my favorite performances in one of my favorite films was given by DMX. If you haven't seen BELLY in a while or at all, gift yourself with his talent in that film this weekend. #RIPDMX" –Ava Duvernay
"Heaven got a little ruffer today. Hope you find your peace, Dark Man X" –Apl.de.ap
"I was fortunate enough to meet #DMX many times but my fav memory was when he & @sherrieshepherd were in an airport together.. She called me and X took the phone and we talked, laughed & prayed a good 30 minutes … I wish we had more time .." –Loni Love
"Rest In Peace #DMX" –Tom Morello
"Greatness. #DMX" –Tamron Hall
"Fly High @dmx Sending condolences and prayers to your family." –Mystikal
"1 of 1!!!! Nobody could attempt to duplicate what #DMX was as a performer & MC!" –Michael Rapaport
"DENG. Not the way I wanted Dark Man to go out. If you see me blasting the Ruff Ryder's anthem ALL day, juss [sic] lemme [sic] have it. Hey St. Peter… X is comin' for ya! #LetADogBarkAndHeWillFindHisWayHome #DMX." –Yvonne Orji
"Rapper DMX passed away earlier today. He was 50 years old. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family" –Wendy Williams
"Who didn't want to lose their mind when "Party Up" came on? Incredible talent and electrifying performer…he will be missed RIP DMX" –Mark McGrath
"Playing "Don't Gotta Go Home" – @MonicaDenise and the man, DMX. Rest in Power" –Jackée Harry
"Damn. One of the grittiest, hardest, and most original voices in music. "Party Up" is the forever anthem, but so many great songs. RIP, DMX." –Willie Geist
"Rest in power brother" –Wesley Snipes
