DMX’s cause of death has been confirmed in a new report.
On Thursday, Victoria Bekiempis reported for Vulture that DMX died from a cocaine-induced heart attack that resulted in a lack of blood circulation to his brain. The report, which cites a source from the Westchester County medical examiner’s office, added that the cause of death was determined using documentation provided by medical officials and law enforcement authorities. An autopsy was not performed by the medical examiner’s office.
Vulture’s source also said emergency services were first contacted around 10:03 p.m. on April 2, with paramedics being dispatched one minute later. The source noted that X was “diagnosed brain-dead early on,” explaining that his death “happened immediately because the brain was dead.”
DMX died April 9 at the age of 50. The following month, Exodus—the first posthumous studio album from DMX—was released by Def Jam Recordings. The record, featuring a wide range of collaborators including Jay-Z and Bono, marked X’s first release through Def Jam since his 2003 album Grand Champ.
In what was billed as his final interview, DMX—whose catalog of classics, as well as his ability to leave everyone he encountered with a uniquely touching story to tell, ensures his legacy is eternal—spoke candidly of the gratitude he felt about his many successes.
“I’m going to look back on my life, just before I go, and thank God for every moment,” he told TV One in the interview, released in May. “It’s those moments, when they come together, that you see the beauty in who you are and why you are.”
At the 2021 edition of the BET Awards last month, X was honored by fellow artists with a special tribute segment featuring everyone from Swizz Beatz to Michael K. Williams. Speaking with Complex shortly before the tribute aired, Swizz—who collaborated with creative director Fatima Robinson on the special—broke down his advice for those wishing to carry on X’s legacy while also honoring his memory.
“That’s something that all of us have to do in many ways,” he said. “Whether it’s [producers] sampling his music or [artists] being inspired by his energy on stage and taking it and adding it into their own show.”
