RIP to American rapper and actor DMX.

Though DMX, born Earl Simmons just over 50 years ago, passed away today (April 9), fans can look forward to a new album from the artiste who set the world on fire in the late 1990s, using his gruff persona and angst to echo the pain of so many.

During an interview in February on the Drink Champs podcast, hosted by rapper N.O.R.E, DMX revealed that he had just two more songs left to complete his new album after reuniting with the Dej Jam label where he shot to fame with 1998’s It’s Dark and Hell is Hot.

The new album is being managed by Steve Rifkind, the founder and chairman of Loud Records and SRC Records.

An excited DMX, in telling N.O.R.E. about his new project, said the album would contain the most features of any in his career. Among the top acts who have already contributed are the late Pop Smoke, Lil Wayne, Snoop Dogg, Swizz Beatz, Alicia Keys, Usher and Bono from rock group U2.

DMX said he was surprised but grateful to find out so many artistes wanted to collaborate with him, and made special mention of the track Letters to My Son, with Usher, as one to watch out for.

Check out around the 25-minute mark in the interview below: