Entertainment
New DMX track X Moves drops the day he dies marking rapper’s swan song
A new DMX track was released just a few hours before his death as an unintended parting gift for fans.
The rapper, real name Earl Simmons, died at the age of 50 after a heart attack after an alleged drug overdose, according to TMZ.
The musician and actor had been on life support for a week following his reported overdose and heart attack but it’s believed he had not regained brain function after being deprived of oxygen for around 30 minutes.
And track X Moves dropped just hours before he died with the song opening with the lyric: ‘I make moves to get me where I’m going.’
DMX teamed up with Parliament-Funkadelic bassist Bootsy Collins, Asia guitarist Steve Howe and Deep Purple drummer Ian Paice.
Performing as ferociously as ever, at the beginning he spits: ‘If it ain’t rough, it ain’t me.’
He later reminds listeners of his star quality: ‘It’s irrelevant how many rhymes you got/You ain’t got what I got/X marks the spot.’
The single was released by Cleopatra Records and comes as his former label Def Jam faced criticism for releasing two new compilations DMX: The Ruff Ryder and A Dog’s Prayer before his death.
DMX fans gathered outside White Plains Hospital in New York yesterday afternoon to pay tribute to the star.
News of his death was broken by his family in a statement to US publication People.
They said: ‘We are deeply saddened to announce today that our loved one, DMX, birth name or Earl Simmons, passed away at the age of 50 years old at White Plains Hospital with his family by his side after being placed on life support for the past few days.
‘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. We appreciate all of the love and support during this incredibly difficult time.
‘Please respect our privacy as we grieve the loss of our brother, father, uncle and man the world knew as DMX. We will share information about his memorial service once the details are finalised.’
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