NEW YORK — Fans of Ruff Ryders legend DMX will gather for a vigil Monday afternoon at the Westchester hospital where reports say the rapper is in critical condition after a weekend heart attack brought on by a drug overdose.
DMX, whose real name is Earl Simmons, is on life support, in a “vegetative state,” according to The New York Times, which quoted the performer’s former manager. Simmons, 50, was rushed to White Plains Hospital Friday night after suffering a heart attack at his nearby home.
Website TMZ reported that the heart attack was triggered by a drug overdose.
“On Friday night, April 2nd, 2021, our brother, son, father, and colleague DMX, birth name of Earl Simmons, was admitted to White Plains (NY) Hospital, facing serious health issues,” Simmons’ family said in a statement Monday. “We ask that you please keep Earl/DMX and us in your thoughts, wishes, and prayers as well as respect our privacy as we face these challenges.”
The Ruff Ryders To The Rescue Foundation will hold a prayer vigil outside the hospital at 5 p.m. ET.
Simmons, has been battling drug addiction for years and in 2019 canceled a performance at the Rolling Loud Music Festival at Citi Field 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.
Celebrities from LL Cool J to Missy Elliott to Eric B have flooded social media with well wishes and prayers.
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.
