WHITE PLAINS, NY (AP) – A prayer vigil was planned outside the suburban hospital in New York on Monday, where rapper DMX remained on a life support Sunday after a heart attack.
The rapper’s family said in an email on Sunday that the vigil will be held outside White Plains Hospital at 5 p.m.
“On Friday night, April 2, 2021, our brother, son, father and colleague DMX, born of Earl Simmons, was admitted to White Plains (NY) Hospital, facing serious health issues,” the family told a publicist. “We ask that you please keep Earl / DMX and us in your thoughts, wishes and prayers, but also respect our privacy as we face these challenges.”
In another statement released Sunday afternoon, it is said that the rapper remained in a coma and was in a ventilator.
Simmons’ longtime lawyer, Murray Richman, said the rapper was admitted to the intensive care unit at White Plains Hospital after going into cardiac arrest. Richman said he could not confirm reports that DMX, 50, had an overdose of drugs and that 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 reached number one on the Billboard 200 series. The album for the sale of multiplatinum was anchored by several hits, including ‘Ruff Ryders’ Anthem’, ‘Get At Me Dog’ and ‘Stop Being Greedy’.
The rapper had four other top albums, including ‘… And then there was X’, ‘Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood’, ‘The Great Depression’ and ‘Grand Champion’. 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 a few years later in ‘Romeo Must Die’ with Jet Li and the late singer Aaliyah. DMX and Aaliyah teamed up for the soundtrack of the movie ‘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 struggled with drug abuse. The rapper has canceled a series of programs to explore in 2019 in a rehabilitation facility. In an Instagram post, his team said it apologized for the canceled shows and thanked its fans for the continued support.
Last year, DMX faced Snoop Dogg in a Verzuz battle, which attracted more than 500,000 viewers.
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Associated Press authors Dave Collins reports from Hartford, Connecticut, and Jonathan Landrum Jr. reported from Los Angeles.