DMX is on life support and in “vegetative state” after suffering heart attack

DMX’s former manager Nakia Walker has said the rapper, real name Earl Simmons, is on life support and in a “vegetative state” after suffering a heart attack last week.

Last Saturday, April 3, TMZ reported that DMX suffered a drug overdose which triggered a heart attack at around 11pm on Friday night and was rushed to hospital in White Plains, New York.

A family member told TMZ that paramedics spent 30 minutes trying to resuscitate DMX. and during that time he was deprived of oxygen which has severely impacted his brain.

A statement from a DMX representative said: "Last night Earl 'DMX' Simmons was rushed to the hospital after collapsing at home. At this time he remains in ICU in critical condition. Earl has been a warrior his entire life. This situation represents yet another road he must conquer.

"The Simmons Family appreciates the overwhelming outpouring of heartfelt love, encouragement, support and prayers for Earl. Earl is someone whose life and music have been a source of inspiration and strength to so many people around the world. It is reassuring to see his fans return that same passion and energy to him during his time of need."

Speaking to the New York Times, Nakia Walker said some of DMX’s relatives had been allowed to see him in hospital. “We’re just praying,” she said.

Murray Richman, a lawyer who has represented DMX for 25 years, said: “He is truly an amazing person. He walked into a room, he lit up the room. He couldn’t help making you feel good in his presence.”

Richman also noted the “difficult life” the 50-year-old rapper has experienced which informed his gamechanging music, adding: “He expressed the pain and suffering in a very unique way. He truly is reflective of a whole segment of our society whose pain and suffering go unrecorded.”

DMX, who was born in Mount Vernon, New York, in 1970 and grew up in Yonkers, was the first ever artist to have their first four albums debut at Number One on the Billboard chart., with late 90s and early 00s hits including ‘Party Up’ and ‘X Gon’ Give It To Ya’.

Many artists from across the music world have spoken of their admiration for DMX and expressed prayers and hope for his recovery over the past few days, including Missy Elliott, Eminem and Chance The Rapper.

On Monday, April 5, a vigil was held by DMX’s family, friends and fans outside White Plains Hospital, view a gallery of images here.

[Via: TMZ & New York Times]

Patrick Hinton is Mixmag's Digital Editor, follow him on Twitter