A look at five famous black musicians who battled their “personal demons”

DMX

Rapper Earl Simmons professionally known as DMX was one of the biggest names in the 1900s. Known for his acting prowess and hardcore music, his debut album released in 1998 received some commercial success. Selling 251, 000 copies within a week, DMX subsequently released eight more albums including a best seller, and Then There Was X released in 1999.

Despite being commercially successful, DMX had his personal demon. He had a personal addiction to cocaine. According to him, his addiction began when he was 14 years after he smoked marijuana.

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He battled with cocaine addiction and pushed him into several uncomfortable situations. Going in and out of jail, DMX claimed to have received a call from God. In an interview, he said, “I came here to meet somebody…Don’t know who it was, but I’ll know when I see him. And I came here to give him a message. And that message is Jesus loves them.”

He is currently a deacon and aspires to be a pastor someday.