Rapper DMX On Life Support In A Coma; Family To Hold Prayer Vigil Outside White Plains Hospital

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) — A prayer vigil will be held for rapper DMX tonight outside White Plains Hospital.

The 50-year-old was rushed to the hospital Friday night after suffering a heart attack. His longtime attorney says he’s on life support.

TMZ reports the heart attack was caused by a dug overdose.

DMX, whose real name is Earl Simmons, grew up in Yonkers. His family says the vigil is planned for 5 p.m.

“On Friday night, April 2nd, 2021, our brother, son, father, and colleague DMX, birth name of Earl Simmons, was admitted to White Plains (NY) Hospital, facing serious health issues,” the family said through a publicist. “We ask that you please keep Earl/DMX and us in your thoughts, wishes, and prayers as well as respect our privacy as we face these challenges.”

(Photo by Prince Williams/Wireimage)

Another statement released Sunday afternoon said the rapper remained in a coma and was on a ventilator.

Simmons’ longtime lawyer, Murray Richman, said he could not confirm reports that DMX overdosed on drugs and he was not sure what caused the heart attack.

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.

Over the years, DMX has battled with substance abuse. The rapper canceled a series of shows to check himself into a rehabilitation facility in 2019. In an Instagram post, his team said he apologized for the canceled shows and thanked his fans for the continued support.

Last year, DMX faced off against Snoop Dogg in a Verzuz battle, which drew more than 500,000 viewers.

(© Copyright 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

source https://newyork.cbslocal.com/2021/04/05/dmx-heart-attack-prayer-vigil/