UPDATE: The family of DMX has confirmed that the rapper has passed away following days on life support. He was 50. Rest in peace.

Earlier today, comedian Luenell took to Instagram stories to pay tribute to her friend, New York rap trailblazer DMX — with a post that incited rumours that the rapper had passed away.

“It is over, my friend is gone,” she wrote in the post. “Soar. Join the best that ever did it. RIP DMX.” Naturally, the post lead people to believe that DMX, real name Earl Simmons, had passed away. Leading to a number of news outlets to report that “friends of the family” had confirmed his passing. 

In a follow-up story, Luenell clarified that DMX’s body had not passed on, merely his soul.

“When your spirit leaves and your organs fail you. The body becomes just a shell. One becomes wrapped in the lords arms. Thats what ‘i’ call gone. I’m sorry to all.”

DMX was hospitalized after suffering a reported drug-induced heart attack at his home in White Plains, N.Y., on Friday, April 2nd. He has been on life support, in a “vegetative state” since Sunday, April 4th.

Earlier today, TMZ reported that DMX underwent a series of test that showed no improvement in the rappers brain activity.

I am not one to criticise how another chooses to use their words, but perhaps if someone is on life support, refraining from using “RIP” shows great tact.

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