Hip hop legend DMX’s long battle with addiction took a turn for the worse when it was reported that the “How’s It Goin’ Down” rapper had overdosed and was in a vegetative state, with TMZ reporting that the prognosis was not good. It was also revealed by Murray Richman, a lawyer who has represented the rapper-actor for 25 years, that DMX (born Earl Simmons) was hospitalized after he had a heart attack at his home in White Plains, N.Y., on Friday, April 2, according to the New York Times.
The Grammy-nominated rapper has been deemed in critical condition, with the general public worried that this might be another tragic and premature death to a beloved entertainer.
Although an icon in the hip hop realm and beyond, DMX has a long and well-documented history of substance abuse and addiction, something that has been a common theme in his music throughout the years. In a November 2020 episode of Talib Kweli’s People’s Party podcast, DMX went in-depth, explaining that he was tricked into smoking crack, when a regular smoking encounter with his rap mentor, Ready Ron, took a turn for the worse when his blunt was laced with the addictive substance. In an emotional moment where ‘X struggled for words, he admits that’s when “the monster was born.”
The solemn news was met with an outpouring of support for DMX, with fans and peers of the rapper taking to social media to show their support. After his condition was made public, members of the Ruff Ryders Sports Bike Organization gathered outside of the White Plains hospital that is currently treating the embattled star. As documented by FOX5, the motorcycle crew rolled in, playing DMX’s music in an act of tribute.
As fans await updates on the beloved emcee, a prayer vigil was held outside of the same White Plains hospital. Hosted by ‘X’s family, the streets were filled as speakers played DMX’s voice mid-prayer.
It is reported that he is scheduled to undergo critical brain function tests that will determine the rapper’s prognosis, according to his manager, Steve Rifkind.
“DMX is currently on life support and in a coma. There are multiple people with inaccurate information about his well-being and it is not helpful and productive,” Rifkind told NBC News Tuesday night. “Tomorrow he will undergo further tests on his brain function and his family will determine what’s best from there.”
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