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DMX dies at 50 after overdose and heart attack

DMX was hospitalized last Friday after suffering a heart attack.
by Katie Scott
April 9, 2021 12:50 p.m. EST
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Rapper DMX has died a week after suffering a heart attack and overdose. He was 50.

The "X Gon' Give it to Ya" rapper, whose real name is Earl Simmons, died at White Plains Hospital in New York on Friday. His family released a statement after the Ruff Ryder rapper died.

“We are deeply saddened to announce today that our loved one, DMX, birth name of Earl Simmons, passed away at 50-years-old at White Plains Hospital with his family by his side after being placed on life support for the past few days. Earl was a warrior who fought till the very end. He loved his family with all of his heart and we cherish the times we spent with him," the statement read.

"Earl’s music inspired countless fans across the world and his iconic legacy will live on forever. We appreciate all of the love and support during this incredibly difficult time. Please respect our privacy as we grieve the loss of our brother, father, uncle and the man the world knew as DMX. We will share information about his memorial service once details are finalized.”

White Plains Hospital also released a statement, saying that the hospital extends its deepest condolences to the family of DMX, his friends and fans "who expressed their unwavering support during this difficult time."

"Earl Simmons passed away peacefully with family present after suffering a catastrophic cardiac arrest," the hospital added.

The "Party Up (Up in Here)" rapper was hospitalized on April 2 after suffering a heart attack at his house around 11 p.m., according to his lawyer Murray Richman.

Richman said that when the rapper was admitted to the hospital he was resuscitated and placed on life support. He was reportedly deprived of oxygen for almost 30 minutes.

After news of DMX's hospitalization broke, a rep for the rapper said he was in "critical condition."

"Last night Earl 'DMX' Simmons was rushed to the hospital after collapsing at home. At this time he remains in ICU in critical condition," the rep told TMZ. "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," he continued. "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."

The following day, the "Where The Hood At" rapper's manager, Nakia Walker, told BuzzFeed that he was in a "vegetative state." 

“He’s still in the same condition … [with] lung and brain failure and no brain activity. We’re just praying and waiting. Praying and waiting. We just stay hopeful. It’s devastating, for sure. It’s really hard," she said.

There was a prayer vigil held in DMX's honour on Monday night, outside of White Plains Hospital. It was hosted by the Ruff Ryders to the Rescue Foundation. Hundreds of DMX's loved ones, fans and supporters gathered together to celebrate his life.

DMX remained on life support on Wednesday and was still in a coma, five days after he was admitted to the hospital. The rapper underwent many different tests which revealed his level of brain function and activity following the heart attack. This led to his family's decision regarding his life support.

DMX had spoken candidly before about his struggles with drug addiction. He told Talib Kweli in a November 2020 podcast that his mentor had tricked him into smoking crack when he was just 14-years-old.

“I hit the blunt and … I was no longer focused,” DMX explained. “I later found out that he laced the blunt with crack. Why would you do that to a child? He knew I looked up to him.”

The "What's My Name" rapper checked himself into rehab in 2019 and cancelled all of his concerts. “He apologizes for his cancelled shows and thanks his fans for their continued support,” his team said in a statement, adding that the rapper was “putting family and sobriety first.”

Fans and friends of the Grammy-nominated rapper took to Twitter to share their condolences after news of his passing spread.

DMX is survived by his 15 children.

 

BEFORE YOU GO: Demi Lovato talks feeling ‘survivors guilt’ over DMX OD

 

[video_embed id='2176238']BEFORE YOU GO: Demi Lovato talks feeling ‘survivors guilt’ over DMX OD[/video_embed]

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