WHITE PLAINS, NY (AP) – A prayer vigil was scheduled for Monday outside the hospital in the New York suburbs, where rapper DMX remained life support Sunday after a heart attack.
The rapper’s family said in an email on Sunday that the 5 p.m. vigil will take place outside White Plains Hospital.
“On Friday evening, April 2, 2021, our brother, son, father and colleague DMX, Earl Simmons’ birth name, was admitted to White Plains (NY) Hospital with serious health problems,” the family said through a publicist. “We ask that you keep Earl / DMX and us in your thoughts, wishes and prayers and respect our privacy as we face these challenges.”
Another statement released Sunday afternoon said the rapper remained in a coma and was on a ventilator.
Simmons’ longtime attorney, Murray Richman, said the rapper was admitted to the intensive care unit at White Plains Hospital after suffering cardiac arrest. Richman said he could not confirm reports that DMX, 50, had taken an overdose of drugs, and was not sure what caused the heart attack.
DMX created a furore in rap music in 1998 with its first studio album “It’s Dark and Hell is Hot,” which debuted at number 1 on the Billboard 200 chart. The multi-platinum selling album was anchored by several hits, including ‘Ruff Ryders’ Anthem’, ‘Get At Me Dog’ and ‘Stop Being Greedy’.
The rapper had four other charts, 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 movie “Belly” and appeared in “Romeo Must Die” a few years later with Jet Li and the late singer Aaliyah. DMX and Aaliyah teamed up for the movie’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 substance abuse. The rapper canceled a series of shows to check himself into a rehab center in 2019. In an Instagram post, his team said he apologized for the canceled shows and thanked his fans for their continued support.
Last year, DMX took on Snoop Dogg in a Verzuz battle, which drew more than 500,000 viewers.
Associated Press writers Dave Collins reported from Hartford, Connecticut, and Jonathan Landrum Jr. reported from Los Angeles.