WHITE PLAINS, NY (AP) – Supporters and family members of the rapper DMX shouted his name and offered prayers on Monday outside the New York hospital, where he remained on life support devices.
The 50-year-old man was admitted to the hospital on Friday, after a heart attack.
The crowd outside White Plains Hospital shouted “DMX! DMX! ”And when urged by the main speaker, they crossed their arms in the shape of an X. A woman’s sobs reverberated when those present heard a recording of the rapper, whose birth name is Earl Simmons.
Simmons’ longtime lawyer Murray Richman said on Sunday that the rapper was admitted to the intensive care unit, but was unsure what caused the heart attack.
DMX made his rap debut in 1998 and released seven albums in a career that included three Grammy nominations. He has also acted in several films.
But substance abuse has been a struggle for him over the years, including in 2019, when he canceled programs to go to a rehab clinic.
However, he maintained his position among the fans. An online showdown last year with fellow rapper Snoop Dogg as part of the Verzuz series brought in over 500,000 viewers.