NEW YORK — Rapper DMX was hospitalized Friday night after a reported drug overdose. On Saturday, his attorney said the rapper had suffered a heart attack and was on life support.
The 50-year-old rapper, whose real name is Earl Simmons, was taken to a hospital from his home in White Plains, TMZ initially reported.
Representatives for DMX confirmed to Billboard that he was hospitalized.
Update 12:48 a.m. EDT April 4: Rapper DMX remained hospitalized at a New York hospital and was still on life support, his attorney said late Saturday.
Murray Richman, DMX’s attorney, confirmed to WPIX that DMX was still on life support Saturday evening. The attorney had originally claimed that Simmons was off life support, but later told the television station by phone that he had “been misinformed and (had) misspoken.”
Update 8:18 EDT April 3: DMX’s attorney, Murray Richman, told WPIX that the rapper was off life support and was breathing on his own. Richman said that DMX is currently “surrounded by family” and was in “grave condition.”
“I’m very sad about it, extremely sad. He’s like my son,” Richman told the television station. “He’s just a tremendous person, tremendous entertainer, tremendous human being. And so much to offer, so much to say. Not the run-of-the-mill rapper. A person of great depth.”
Hip hop producer Eric B and rapper Missy Elliott asked their social media followers to pray for DMX.
Prayers for DMX and his family🙏🏾💜 pic.twitter.com/NhKIx0aAyj
— Missy Elliott (@MissyElliott) April 3, 2021
Update 5:43 p.m. EDT April 3: DMX’s attorney, Murray Richman, told WABC that the hip hop artist had a heart attack.
“I received a call this morning that Earl Simmons was in the hospital, at the White Plains Hospital, and that he had had a heart attack, and I’m not sure how it was induced and that he’s on life support,” Richman told the television station. “I’ve spoken to the family and the family and I are quite close with each other. I am concerned about his well-being and mindful of his significance. I have known Earl for over 25 years and I believe that his music is quite poignant, very important. He’s truly a poet of our time.”
Original report: DMX has battled addiction and substance abuse issues over the years. He has been in rehabilitation clinics several times with his last stay in 2019. He entered rehab at the time after serving a year in prison for tax evasion.
Rappers quickly showed an outpouring of support on social media for DMX.
“Shake back Big Bro,” T.I. wrote on social media. “We made plans Maaaan We got (expletive) to do!!! We laughed so hard about how far we’ve made it in life this night. I appreciate you so much for pulling up & and checking on a (expletive). So now I’m tellin you like you told me...This too shall pass.”
Missy Elliott said: “Prayers for DMX and his family.”
Prayers for DMX and his family🙏🏾💜 pic.twitter.com/NhKIx0aAyj
— Missy Elliott (@MissyElliott) April 3, 2021
DMX announced two months ago that he is working on an upcoming album that would feature appearances by Griselda and Pop Smoke, Complex reported.
Cox Media Group
