DMX in "vegetative state" after suffering overdose-induced heart attack
New York, New York - Rapper DMX was hospitalized in critical condition Saturday after a drug overdose in his Westchester County home.
The 50-year-old hip hop star and Romeo Must Die actor suffered a heart attack during the overdose and was rushed to a critical care unit at White Plains Hospital around 11 PM Friday, TMZ reported.
The Party Up (Up In Here) singer was showing "some brain activity" but was in a "vegetative state," sources told TMZ.
Contrary to initial reports, his lawyer Murray Richman confirmed on Sunday that DMX was still on life support as of Sunday.
He earlier told New York's PIX11 News that he remained "concerned" about the 50-year-old, whose real name is Earl Simmons.
"DMX is in the hospital presently, he's been in the hospital as the result of a heart attack," Richman said in a video tweeted by the network.
Fans became concerned when Eric B. of the rap duo Eric B. & Rakim shared an image of himself and DMX on Instagram with the caption, "Please pray for my brother DMX," and the hashtag #DMXhospitalized.
Rapper Rick Ross also posted, "Prayers up for DMX the legend, let’s put that in the sky" on his Instagram story.
Other celebrities including Missy Elliot, rappers Big Freedia and Eminem, as well as Academy-Award winning actor Viola Davis also offered prayers for his recovery via Twitter.
The latest installment in a long battle with addiction
DMX has been battling drug addiction for years and in 2019 canceled a performance at the Rolling Loud Music Festival at CitiField and checked into rehab.
He also missed a gig in Brooklyn where he had been scheduled to perform for Def Jam’s 35th anniversary, it was reported at the time.
The rapper previously checked into rehab in 2017, canceling shows at that time as well, according to TMZ.
DMX was released from prison in January 2019 after serving time for tax evasion.
Despite the pandemic, DMX had been holding modest performances this year and was planning a small tour in Indianapolis and Texas in May, according to his Instagram page.
Cover photo: IMAGO / MediaPunch