Earl Simmons, better known to the world as DMX, wasn’t just a rap icon—he was also a father and a man with a deep, complicated, and very human story. At the center of his life was his longtime partner and ex-wife, Tashera Simmons, and their four children together. While the world may know DMX for his rough voice, gritty lyrics, and legendary stage presence, his personal life, particularly his relationship with Tashera and their kids, reveals another side of the man—a softer, more vulnerable one.
A Love Story That Started Early
DMX and Tashera Simmons were high school sweethearts who met in Yonkers, New York. Their relationship began long before the fame, the hit singles, and the turbulent spotlight. Tashera has often said that she was drawn to DMX’s raw honesty and spirit from the start. Despite the challenges they would go on to face, there was always a foundational bond between them.
The couple got married in 1999 and stayed together for over a decade before separating in 2010 and finalizing their divorce later. During their years together, they had four children: Xavier, Tacoma, Sean, and Praise Mary Ella Simmons. Even after their marriage ended, Tashera and DMX maintained a level of respect for one another and worked together to raise their kids.
Fatherhood and Fame
DMX was a father to a total of 15 children, but the ones he shared with Tashera held a special place in his life. Fame wasn’t easy on their relationship, and DMX struggled with various demons—addiction, legal troubles, and the constant pressures of being in the public eye. Despite that, those close to him often speak of his deep love for all his kids and his desire to be a present, active father.
Xavier, the eldest son of DMX and Tashera, sometimes found himself at odds with his father, especially during DMX’s darker moments. But their connection remained a powerful one. Xavier has stepped into the spotlight himself from time to time, appearing on shows like Iyanla: Fix My Life alongside his father, where they tried to repair their relationship in a very public and vulnerable way.
The other sons, Tacoma and Sean, have largely stayed out of the limelight, choosing to live more private lives. Their sister, Praise Mary Ella, is the youngest of the siblings and the only daughter from DMX and Tashera’s union. She’s grown up relatively protected from the public eye, with Tashera working hard to ensure her kids had as normal a life as possible given their circumstances.
Tashera: The Steady Rock
Throughout it all, Tashera Simmons remained a grounded force in the family. After their separation, she focused on raising her children and eventually published a memoir titled You Think You Know, But You Have No Idea, where she shared her truth about loving DMX through addiction and fame.
Tashera never sugarcoated their struggles. She was honest about the betrayal, pain, and confusion that came with loving someone battling inner demons. But she also spoke of DMX’s heart—his kindness, his faith, and the powerful love he had for his children. Her goal was never to tear him down but to tell her story and hopefully help others who found themselves in similar situations.
Her strength and resilience were instrumental in keeping the family afloat, especially during the times when DMX was in rehab, prison, or just struggling to find stability.
DMX’s Love for His Kids
If you listen closely to DMX’s music, you’ll find that he often rapped about his children and the desire to be a better man for them. Songs like “I Miss You” and “Slippin’” show a level of emotional depth that many fans admired. He wore his pain on his sleeve, and his children were always at the core of that pain and hope.
Even during the most difficult chapters of his life, DMX never stopped talking about his kids. In interviews, he would light up when asked about them, showing photos and sharing stories. Despite the chaos around him, being a father was something that he took seriously, even if he didn’t always get it right.
There were moments when his relationships with his children were strained, but he always tried to make amends. Those who knew him personally often say that his greatest joy was being surrounded by his kids.
Life After DMX’s Passing
DMX passed away in April 2021 at the age of 50, after suffering a heart attack triggered by a drug overdose. His death shocked fans around the world, but it hit his family the hardest. Tashera and their children were devastated by the loss, yet they honored him with grace and strength.
In the days following his death, Tashera shared touching tributes to the father of her children, calling him a warrior and a man who, despite his struggles, always tried to rise again. She spoke of his faith, his constant fight against darkness, and his enduring love for his family.
Their kids, especially Xavier, have taken steps to preserve his legacy, with discussions about biopics, books, and charitable work to help others who are going through similar battles. They want people to remember the man behind the music—the father, the husband, the flawed but loving soul who meant so much to so many.
A Legacy of Love and Redemption
DMX’s legacy is one of contradictions. He was both a fierce and sensitive man, capable of writing soul-bearing lyrics and also getting lost in personal turmoil. But in the story of DMX and Tashera Simmons, and the children they raised, we find a story that is uniquely human—a story about love, pain, family, forgiveness, and growth.
Tashera’s unwavering commitment to her family and DMX’s continued efforts to be a better man and father show that while perfection isn’t possible, love can still thrive in the messiness of life. Their children are living testaments to that journey—young adults shaped by their parents’ trials and triumphs, now forging their own paths.
Though DMX is no longer physically here, his spirit lives on in his music, his fans, and most importantly, in the hearts of his children and Tashera. It’s a legacy of strength, complexity, and an enduring love that will never be forgotten.
