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DMX, known for being a pinnacle in the ’90s and 2000s hip-hop scene, died on Friday at age 50, according to a statement from his family given to The Associated Press.

Born Earl Simmons, the rapper was rushed to a hospital in White Plains, New York on April 2 after suffering a heart attack.  

X began his rap career in the early 90s and released his debut album in 1998 after signing with Ruffhouse Records with “It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot”.  The multiplatinum selling album debuted No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart – with several hits including “Ruff Ryders’ Anthem,” “Get At Me Dog” and “Stop Being Greedy.”  His “Ruff Ryders Anthem,” skyrocketed him to becoming one of the reigning stars of hardcore hip hop and was the premier artist signed to the  label.

However, DMX had four other chart-topping albums including  “… And Then There Was X,” “Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood,” “The Great Depression” and “Grand Champ.”  Altogether, he released seven albums and earned three Grammy nominations.

But outside of music, the rapper also built a career as an actor, starring in the 1998 film “Belly” and appeared in “Romeo Must Die” with Jet Li and Aaliyah, in which the two teamed up for the film’s soundtrack song “Come Back in One Piece.”  DMX also starred in “Exit Wounds” with Steven Seagal and “Cradle 2 the Grave” with Jet Li.

Source: CNN