Grammy-nominated rapper DMX was on life support at a New York hospital Saturday evening following a heart attack that left him in grave condition.
DMX, whose real name is Earl Simmons, was rushed to a White Plains hospital from his nearby home around 11 p.m. Friday, his longtime attorney Murray Richman told NBC New York.
The 50-year-old had to be resuscitated by medical personnel at the hospital's critical care unit, Richman told NBC News. The lawyer said DMX was still on life support Saturday evening after misspeaking earlier and stating the rapper had come off life support and was breathing on his own.
Early Saturday morning, TMZ and Variety reported the heart attack DMX suffered was caused by a drug overdose. Richman could not verify reports of an overdose or what may have preceded the rapper's heart attack.
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TMZ reported that it received a statement from a representative of DMX that said: “Last night Earl ‘DMX’ Simmons was rushed to the hospital after collapsing at home. At this time he remains in ICU in critical condition. Earl has been a warrior his entire life. This situation represents yet another road he must conquer.
“The Simmons Family appreciates the overwhelming outpouring of heartfelt love, encouragement, support and prayers for Earl. Earl is someone whose life and music have been a source of inspiration and strength to so many people around the world. It is reassuring to see his fans return that same passion and energy to him during his time of need.”
His family on Sunday announced a prayer vigil planned for Monday at 5 p.m. outside the White Plains Hospital.
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The native New Yorker made headlines last summer when he appeared in a Verzuz battle in July with Snoop Dogg. He'd also reportedly been working on a new album following his release from prison for tax fraud. The rapper completed a 12-month stint in prison and was released in January 2019.
DMX has been open about his struggles with addiction in the past. In late 2019, he took to Instagram to announce he checked himself into rehab again and subsequently canceled a series of performances.
Word of the DMX's condition spread through social media Saturday morning, garnering quick support from contemporaries in the music and entertainment industry.
DMX made a splash in rap music in 1998 with his first studio album “It’s Dark and Hell is Hot,” which debuted No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart. The multiplatinum selling album was anchored by several hits including “Ruff Ryders’ Anthem,” “Get At Me Dog” and “Stop Being Greedy.”
The rapper had four other chart-topping albums including “...And Then There Was X,” “Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood,” “The Great Depression” and “Grand Champ.” He has released seven albums and earned three Grammy nominations.
Along with his music career, DMX paved his way as an actor. He starred in the 1998 film “Belly” and appeared in “Romeo Must Die” a couple years later with Jet Li and the late singer Aaliyah. DMX and Aaliyah teamed up for the film’s soundtrack song “Come Back in One Piece.”
The rapper also starred in “Exit Wounds” with Steven Seagal and “Cradle 2 the Grave” with Li.
