DMX, US rapper and actor, dies at 50

American rapper and actor Earl Simmons, known by the stage name DMX or Dark Man X, died on Friday, his record label said, after he suffered a heart attack. He was 50 years old.

The chart-topping artist’s songs included “Party Up (Up in Here)” and “X Gon’ Give It To Ya.” 

Music label Def Jam Recordings said in a statement it was saddened by “the loss of our brother Earl ‘DMX’ Simmons.”

“DMX was a brilliant artist and an inspiration to millions around the world,” the statement said. “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.”

DMX collapsed at home late on April 2. 

On Friday, White Plains Hospital in New York said DMX had died peacefully with family by his side after suffering a "catastrophic cardiac arrest".