DMX, the raspy-voiced hip-hop artist who rapped with a trademark delivery that was often paired with growls, barks and “What!” as an ad lib, has died aged 50. The Grammy-nominated performer died after suffering “catastrophic cardiac arrest”, according to the hospital in White Plains, New York, where he died. He was rushed there from his home on April 2. His family’s statement said DMX, whose birth name was Earl Simmons, died with relatives by his side after several days on life support. DMX, centre, accepts the R&B Album Artist of the Year during the 1999 Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas (Laura Rauch/AP)