On April 9, the R&B world paused. Fans were devastated and in awe.
R&B artist, DMX, died after suffering a catastrophic cardiac arrest. He passed being surrounded by his loved ones.
“I simply cannot believe that he is gone, I loved him so much. My entire childhood was listening to DMX,” said senior Alexa Lombardo.
Rolling Stone reported, Earl Simmons was born in Mount Vernon, New York. Also known as DMX, spent most of his early life in Yonkers, New York. He grew up in an abusive household and spent time in boy’s homes and juvenile institutions. During this time he started writing music and eventually met producer Read Ron.
BBC News reported, DMX would befriend stray dogs on the street that became companions to him. Later, he was inspired by the dogs and started growling and barking during his songs.
DMX was most known for his signature raspy growl. He was able to growl like this due to his lifelong struggle of bronchial asthma. Although it was a lifelong struggle the growl made his songs instantly recognizable.
“I can remember when I was about twelve years old my mom would drive me to cheerleading practice and DMX would come on the radio,” said senior Rachel Bates. “I would get so hyped up and try to copy the crazy noises he could make.”
The Guardian reported, in 1999 his album, “And Then There Was X,” went multi-platinum from his singles “Party Up” and “What’s My Name.” In the same year, DMX started appearing in movies such as Exit Wounds, Cradle 2 the Grave and many more.
“The first time I watched Exit Wounds I did not know that DMX was in it, and you could definitely say that I was pleasantly surprised,” said artist Mike Vartuli.
The New York Times reported, DMX was open about his addition as well as the time he spent incarcerated. In 2018, he was sentenced to two years for tax evasion. He was released in 2019 early and began to work with Def Jam.
Rolling Stone reported, due to his addiction issues, DMX entered treatment for his addiction several times. In 2017, he canceled a lineup of upcoming concerts in order to return to rehab. He was able to stay strong from the support from his mother Arnett Simmons, his siblings, his fifteen children and their mothers.
“I always really appreciated artists that were open about their problems, it makes it easy to relate to them and makes you realize that they are human as well,” said senior Lauren Prangley. “I wish DMX did not have to leave us so soon.”
Variety reported, “Brooklyn’s Barclays Center will host a public memorial for DMX on April 24, the rapper’s manager confirmed to TMZ, although attendance is destined to be far below normal arena levels if current COVID-19 protocols hold.”
The Barclays Center was the last place DMX performed live in June 2019 according to People Magazine.
“Losing another inspiration in the music world is devastating, I feel as if I just lost a piece of my childhood,” said senior Katie Howerter. “My heart goes out to his family and loved ones.”
Jacqueline O’Rourke contributed to this article.
