WHITE PLAINS, NY (AP) – A prayer vigil was planned outside the suburban hospital in New York on Monday, where the DMX rapper remained in life on Sunday after a heart attack.
The rapper’s family said in an email on Sunday that the vigil will take place outside White Plains Hospital at 5 p.m.
“On Friday evening, April 2, 2021, our brother, son, father and colleague DMX, the birth name of Earl Simmons, were hospitalized at White Plains Hospital (NY), with serious health problems,” the family said through a publicist . “Please keep Earl / DMX and us in your thoughts, desires and prayers, and respect our privacy as we face these challenges.”
Another statement released on Sunday afternoon said the rapper remained in a coma and was in a fan.
Simmons’ longtime lawyer, Murray Richman, said the rapper was admitted to the intensive care unit at White Plains Hospital after suffering a cardiac arrest. Richman said he could not confirm reports that the 50-year-old DMX had been overdosed on drugs and was not sure why he caused the heart attack.
DMX made a breakthrough in rap music in 1998 with their first studio album “It’s Dark and Hell is Hot”, which debuted at number 1 on the Billboard 200. The multi-platinum sales album 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 Champ”. He released seven albums and won three Grammy nominations.
Along with his musical career, DMX has made his way as an actor. She starred in the 1998 film “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 soundtrack for “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 substance abuse. The rapper canceled a series of shows to record in a rehabilitation unit in 2019. In a post on Instagram, his team said he apologized for the canceled shows and thanked his fans for their continued support.
Last year, DMX faced Snoop Dogg in a battle of Verzuz, which attracted more than 500,000 viewers.
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Associated Press writers Dave Collins reported from Hartford, Connecticut, and Jonathan Landrum Jr. from Los Angeles.