DMX, born Earl Simmons, died on April 9 after experiencing a heart attack triggered by a drug overdose. He was 50. Further details about the rapper’s death have not yet been released.
Gotti’s interview drew backlash from prominent figures in the hip-hop community, including 50 Cent and Swizz Beatz. “This guy is a idiot,” 50 on Instagram. “did he just say DMX died from smoking crack and fentanyl! why would he say that?” Swizz agreed, commenting on the post, “Bozo moves can’t lie.”
On Saturday (May 1), Gotti, who was responsible for signing DMX to Def Jam in the late 1990s, shared a lengthy apology on Instagram.
“1st off. Let me say again. How much I love my n—- X,” Gotti began the post, which included an older photo of himself standing alongside DMX. “The fact that this is coming into Question is the only reason why I feel the need to address the bulls—. I love X and love him Unconditionally and that won’t change til I die. Dog Love.”
He added, “Now Everything I said. Had already been reported in the media. If you look back at media outlets. everything I said had been out there already. I did not break anything I said. But you know what. I understand. No one wanted to hear it from me. And for that I am truly sorry.”
Gotti also wrote that he apologized to DMX’s ex-wife Tashera Simmons for commenting about the rapper’s death.
“I apologize for talking out of turn,” he wrote. “In my defense. I honestly thought I wasn’t saying anything that everyone didn’t hear already. If anyone thinks the love I have for X is nothing but genuine unconditional love. Just look at our history. Really look at it. And there is no way you can think that. Love you X. Until I die and see you again.”
Read Gotti’s full statement here.
