DMX family hosts prayer vigil as he remains on life support

Legendary rapper DMX was rushed to the hospital on Friday after suffering from a drug overdose which led to a heart attack.

TMZ broke the news that Earl Simmons a.k.a DMX  was on life support in the critical care unit.  Sources close to DMX told TMZ that the rapper’s OD occurred at his residence near 11 PM. One unnamed source said that the rapper has “some brain activity,” while another claimed that he is currently in a “vegetative state.”

The family of Earl Simmons released an official statement regarding the health of the 50-year-old.

"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.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.Thank youThe Family of Earl Simmons a/k/a DMX"

FOX 5 reporter Lisa Evers covered a massive tribute by Ruff Riders motorcycle members outside the hospital on Sunday afternoon.  DMX has a well-documented battle with crack cocaine and substance abuse. He had several stints in facilities and entered rehab again in 2019. Simmons was arrested dozens of times for owed child support and served a year-long prison term in West Virginia for tax evasion.

Per the TMZ report, though the situation remains grim, DMX’s fiancée, Desiree Lindstrom, and mom, Arnett Simmons, have been allowed into the ICU to visit the rapper, though he remains unresponsive.

Famous friends Swizz Beatz, Missy Elliot, Tamika Mallory, Fat Joe, and La La Anthony have publicly sent prayers.  Music producer/entrepreneur Swizz Beatz, who was mentored by DMZ as a Ruff Ryder shared a message on Instagram requesting prayers.

The Grammy Award-nominated hip-hop icon had recently teased new music with late rapper Pop Smoke to his global fanbase. He achieved success in the 90’s releasing the albums It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot (1998), Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood (1998), …And Then There Was X(1999), The Great Depression (2001), Grand Champ (2003), Year of the Dog… Again (2006) and Undisputed (2012). He has collaborated with Jay-Z, Eve, Ja Rule, and LL Cool J.

DMX’s recently posted a video of the pair laughing and singing along to Michael Jackson during a joyride. “He talking about record us rocking lol he too funny!!!” She wrote in her caption.  DMX starred in the movies Belly with Nas, Romeo Must Die with Aaliyah, Boricua’s Bond, Exit Wounds, Cradle 2 the Grave, Never Die Alone, Death Toll, Last Hour, and more.

People gave an update on the artist who remains in grave condition.

"DMX is currently in a “vegetative state,” his manager, Nakia Walker, said to The New York Times on Sunday. “We’re just praying,” Walker said, noting that some of his family members have been allowed to visit him in the hospital. Walker also told Buzzfeed News that DMX is “still in the same condition — in a vegetative state, [with] lung and brain failure and no brain activity.”“He is truly an amazing person. He walked into a room, he lit up the room. He couldn’t help making you feel good in his presence,” the “Where the Hood At?” artist’s attorney Murray Richman said of his client of 25 years to the Times."

The Ruff Ryders To The Rescue Foundation will have a prayer vigil outside of White Plains Hospital on Monday, April 5th, 2021 at 5 pm EST.