Stacey Dash, DMX. ZUMA/Splash News; Seth Browarnik/Startraks
An emotional confession. Stacey DashAfter hearing that the rapper had died, I broke down and wept on camera. DMXA person who died more than a year ago.
“I was strolling [sic] through #tiktok and found a #DMX song that has saved me many times,” the CluelessStar, 55, posted the following Instagram message on Wednesday August 31. Along with an emotional video of her reacting to the news, she also uploaded a video. “Suddenly it says #RIP i know I am late, i did not know he passed away, he #OD I am heartbroken – he was such a great guy.”
Dash explained in the clip that the news was particularly painful for her because she has struggled with substance abuse, addiction and other issues in the past. “I’m ashamed. I didn’t know DMX died. I didn’t know … from a cocaine overdose” she explained through tears. “I am today six years and one month clean. It breaks my heart.”
Stacey Dash Courtesy Stacey Dash/TikTok
Dash concluded her video with an overwhelmed plea to her followers: “It breaks my heart [that] he lost … to that demon of addiction. Please don’t lose.”
The “X Gon’ Give it to Ya” rapper — whose real name was Earl Simmons — died at age 50 after suffering an overdose in his New York home in April 2021. The incident triggered a heart attack. DMX was not able to respond to the hospital’s emergency department. Us Weekly confirmed that the “Party Up” musician passed away just under one week later.
“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,” his family said in a statement at the time. “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.”
The statement continued, “Earl’s music inspired countless fans across the world and his iconic legacy will live on forever. We are so grateful for your support and love during this very difficult time. Please respect our privacy as we grieve the loss of our brother, father, uncle and the man the world knew as DMX.”
Like DMX — who sought treatment for substance abuse multiple times throughout the course of his career — Dash has been open about her struggles with addiction. During a October 2021 interview on the Dr. Oz ShowShe revealed that she first tried drugs when she was eight years old. At the height of her addiction, she was taking between 18 to 20 Vicodin pills daily.
“It was my choice to take that extra one even though I wasn’t in pain. I chose to do that because the Vicodin filled that hole inside of me,” the Single LadiesAn alum spoke on the show. “It filled that anger. It calmed my anger. It slowed me down. It gave me the freedom to deal with my daily life. That’s how I became addicted. It’s no one’s fault but my own.”
Dash, who was just five years sober at that time, said she hoped her story would inspire others who struggle with addiction to seek the help they need. “I thank the Lord for being able to say that I have grown more over the last 5 years than I have in my entire life,” she wrote via Facebook ahead of the Dr. Oz episode. Anyone who has a story to tell the world is encouraged to do so. You never know who will be able to relate to you and who it can help.”
If you or anyone you know is facing substance abuse issues, call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for free and confidential information 24/7.
