WHITE PLAINS, NY (AP) – A prayer vigil was planned for Monday outside New York’s suburban hospital, where rapper DMX remained on the life support device on 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 pm.
“On Friday night, April 2, 2021, our brother, son, father and colleague DMX, born by Earl Simmons, was admitted to White Plains Hospital (NY), facing serious health problems,” said family through an advertiser. “We ask that you keep Earl / DMX and us in your thoughts, wishes and prayers, as well as respect our privacy as we face these challenges.”
Another statement released on Sunday afternoon said the rapper remained in a coma and was on a respirator.
Simmons’ longtime lawyer 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, overdosed on drugs and was not sure what caused the heart attack.
DMX was successful in rap music in 1998 with its first studio album “It’s Dark and Hell is Hot”, which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart. The multiplatinum selling album was anchored by several hits, including “Ruff Ryders’ Anthem “,” Get At Me Dog “and” Stop Being Greedy “.
The rapper had four other albums at the top of the charts, 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 music career, DMX made his way as an actor. He starred in the 1998 film “Belly” and appeared on “Romeo Must Die” a few years later with Jet Li and the late singer Aaliyah. DMX and Aaliyah teamed up for the soundtrack to 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 fought substance abuse. The rapper canceled a series of shows to go to a rehab clinic in 2019. In an Instagram post, his team said they apologized for the canceled shows and thanked fans for their continued support.
Last year, DMX faced Snoop Dogg in a battle of Verzuz, which attracted more than 500,000 spectators.
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Associated Press writers Dave Collins reported from Hartford, Connecticut, and Jonathan Landrum Jr. reported from Los Angeles.