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STAR'S BATTLE
Inside how DMX spiraled into addiction after being given crack when he was 14 and cheated death before fatal overdose
BEFORE exploding onto the hip hop scene in the late '90s, DMX had spiraled into addiction after being given crack when he was 14 and cheated death before his fatal overdose.
Born Earl Simmons, the rapper was hospitalized on April 2 after suffering a heart attack following a drug overdose, ultimately passing away a week later on April 9. He was 50 at the time of his death.
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However, for the Ruff Riders Anthem rapper his fatal overdose was not the first time he struggled with drugs.
DMX has reportedly battled drug addiction throughout his adult life - and has openly addressed the issues within his songs.
In a 2020 interview with Talib Kweli on his , the chart-topping rapper revealed he became addicted to crack cocaine when he was 14 after a friend gave him a crack-laced blunt without telling him what he was smoking.
";He passed the blunt around and… I hit the blunt,” he explained.
“I never felt like this before it f***ed me up. I later found out that he laced the blunt with cracK.
"Why would you do that to a child? He was like 30 and he knew I looked up to him. Why would you do that to someone who looks up to you?”
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DMX entered drug rehabilitation several times, including in 2002, 2017 and 2019.
In 2016 reported X stopped breathing and had no pulse after suffering a drug overdose in a Westchester, parking lot.
A medic on hand administered Narcan, an anti-opioid used to reverse the effects of a heroin overdose, according to police.
The rapper became “semiconscious” and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he received treatment.
'DON'T TRY TO UNDERSTAND'
An upcoming documentary, DMX: Don't Try to Understand, premiering on November 25 at 8pm ET on HBO, will give the audience a closer look at the rapper's true personality and life.
The documentary will uncover the harsh truth behind DMX's career, from drug addiction to his criminal history and how he dealt with money, in keeping with his renowned attitude.
DMX: Don't Try to Understand will also reveal how the rapper has influenced a multitude of followers and other musicians worldwide.
X is often hailed as one of NY's most prolific rap artists based on his raw and gritty lyrics.
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GRITTY MC
Born in Mount Vernon, New York, in 1970, the Grammy-nominated rapper sold over 74million records worldwide, including his smash singles Party Up (Up in Here), Where The Hood At?, X Gon’ Give It To Ya and Ruff Ryders Anthem.
The rap icon was also featured in films such as Belly, Romeo Must Die, Exit Wounds, Cradle 2 the Grave and Last Hour.
X is believed to be a father of 15, sharing children with his baby mamas Tashera Simmons, Desiree Lindstrom and other women.
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