US rapper DMX dead at 50 after suffering ‘catastrophic cardiac arrest’

DMX, the raspy-voiced hip-hop artist who produced the songs Ruff Ryders’ Anthem and Party Up (Up in Here) has died, according to a statement from his family. He was 50.

The Grammy-nominated performer died after suffering “catastrophic cardiac arrest”, according to a statement from the hospital in White Plains, New York, where he was being treated.

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.

“Earl was a…