What Famous Music Artists Died Recently Due to Drugs?

Perhaps addiction is most visible when it is suffered by a member of an American celebrity, and each year it’s inevitable that someone we love from the screen or stage will be taken by their addiction or circumstances surrounding it.

Musicians, artists, and creatives all seem to be more susceptible to the dangers that drugs have to offer. It’s heartwrenching. But if nothing else, their sacrifices shed light for the rest of us when it comes to the dangers of addiction, dependency, and the inevitable consequences if one doesn’t get the help they need.

What Famous Music Artists Died Recently Due to Drugs?

DMX (aka Dark Man X)

Known for his gravitas voice and edgy lyrics, DMX (real name Earl Simmons) was one of the most prolific rappers of the early 2000s. He led his so-called Ruff Ryders crew to many milestones and plenty of success as an artist. But the musician struggled with cocaine addiction. And as early as 2009 had admitted himself into rehab in an attempt to battle his demons.

DMX continued to make music for his adoring fans even though his popularity in the mainstream media was declining. Unfortunately, the rapper was never able to get himself clean completely from cocaine. In early April of this year, the rapper was hospitalized near his White Plains, NY home for an overdose of cocaine after what was assumed to be a self-administered injection of the substance. The artist fell into a coma and never awoke; he passed away on April 9th. DMX was only 50 years old and was looking forward to releasing more music, staying sober, and continuing his church activities.

Justin Townes Earle

Justin Townes Earle was the son of country artist Steve Earle that’s certainly maggots try to separate himself from his father. As an up-and-coming folk and Americana artist based out of Nashville’s thriving music scene, Earle thrived in the city and was well. loved by his community and fans.

Known best perhaps for his debut album called Yuma, Earle was recognized as an emerging artist of the year in 2009 anybody with an Americana music award and also had the song of the year in 2011. But in a Tale As Old As Time, Earle struggled with addiction. In August of 2020, the artist was found overdosed in his Nashville home. A few months later, Earle’s family announced that he had passed away from an accidental overdose involving cocaine that was probably laced with the deadly drug Fentanyl. He was 38 years old.

Prince (Musician)

Although this artist died several years ago, it seems apparent that Prince’s death is still very much on the minds of most Americans when they think of musicians and overdose. There aren’t many people who don’t love Prince.  As we’ve seen over and over, the musician struggled with drug addiction.

More specifically he struggled with addiction to opiates which seems to be a drug of choice for the highly sensitive artist type that is required to create such sensual music. And again Fentanyl seems to be the deadly culprit complicit in his overdose. Prince was found unresponsive in his Minneapolis home on April 21st, 2016. He was one of the most successful artists of all time. Prince was 57.

Get Help if You Struggle With Addiction

Studies have shown that when an artist passes away from an overdose or suicide, there is a subsequent increase in overdoses and suicides among the common peoples. It appears that their influence and energy have a real effect on the daily lives of the people who love them.

This is perhaps why it is so important to get the help that is needed if you or someone you love is struggling with addiction. If you or your loved one is struggling with dependency, please reach out to Garden State Treatment Center today.


Published on: 2021-06-04
Updated on: 2024-02-29