JUST IN: Popular American rapper DMX dies at 50 after days on Life support machine

American rapper, DMX has died at a hospital in White Plains, New York, United States.

His family announced the death in a statement.

“We are deeply saddened to announce today that our loved one, DMX, birth name of Earl Simmons, passed away at 50 years old at White Plains Hospital with his family by his side after being placed on life support for the past few days,” they wrote in a statement.

They added: “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 the man the world knew as DMX. We will share information about his memorial service once details are finalized.”

His lawyer, Murray Richman, told The Washington Post on Sunday that DMX had been hospitalised after a heart attack.

He said he had no knowledge that DMX had suffered a drug overdose, as reported by TMZ.

DMX, released hit songs such as “Party Up (Up in Here)” and “X Gon’ Give It to Ya,” drawing inspiration from his hardscrabble life while also emerging as a star of action films and crime thrillers.

DMX, whose real name was Earl Simmons, recorded with artists including LL Cool J and Onyx before releasing his debut album, “It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot,” in 1998. Featuring singles such as “Ruff Ryders’ Anthem” and “Get at Me Dog” — “I’m just robbin’ to eat / And there’s at least a thousand of us like me mobbin’ the street” — the album sold more than 4 million copies and established him as a leader of hardcore hip-hop.