Earl Simmons aka DMX has recently passed away. DMX reportedly suffered a heart attack after an alleged overdose. He was only 50 years old at the time of his death. Earl Simmons was a rap legend and an actor. Although none of his movies were award-worthy, Romeo Must Die is a culture classic. His music was gritty and street and throughout the years, he remained street. He achieved commercial success with his music and movies, but he never changed who he was. X never changed his personality and he never sold himself out to the industry. And for that, his fans loved him.
It seemed that DMX loved hard and had one hell of a life. His childhood was abusive and unstable. Because of this, he lived in a boys home at one point. Earl became addicted to drugs as a young teenager through someone that he considered a mentor. As a result, X has battled addiction and hardships throughout his life. However, even through the addiction, he had fame and fortune. Love and loss. Ups and downs. It appears that Earl Simmons loved hard. He loved Jesus and read the bible. He loved his dogs and his fans. He loved Aailyah. Also, he loved women and had 15 children with them. DMX was giving. He gave back to the community and welcomed pictures with fans on the street.
DMX was not perfect, no one is. There are many facets of Earl Simmons to critique, but to do so would be hypocrisy. Drug addiction is only one of many forms of addiction. For example, some are addicted to sex, food, gambling, or idolatry. Unfortunately, society glamorizes drug use. As such, drug abuse has taken another life. DMX was one a one-of-a-kind rapper. He was honest in his music and his interviews. And, like a few others who have gone on too soon, his music will never be forgotten.