Hip-hop icon DMX has died, aged 50

A week after suffering a drug overdose and subsequent heart attack, DMX died today, April 9, at White Plains Hospital, his family have confirmed.

In a statement issued by his family, the 50-year-old rapper was described as "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," the statement continues. "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 the man the world knew as DMX. We will share information about his memorial service once details are finalised."

Over the course of a remarkable, odds-defying career, DMX, aka Earl Simmons, established himself as a hip-hop icon. He made history as the first artist to have his first five albums debut at No.1 on the Billboard 200 – with It's Dark and Hell Is Hot (1998), Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood (1998), ...And Then There Was X (1999), The Great Depression (2001) and Grand Champ (2003).

Earlier this year, he discussed his upcoming album – which he said featured the likes of U2's Bono, Lil Wayne, Snoop Dogg, Alicia Keys, the late Pop Smoke, and several members of the Griselda crew.

Revisit his iconic 1998 track 'Slippin' below: