DMX remains hospitalized after apparent heart attack; family holds Monday prayer vigil

DMX remains hospitalized in White Plains, New York, where he was rushed late Friday after having a heart attack.

The rapper's longtime New York-based lawyer, Murray Richman, told The Associated Press late Saturday that the 50-year-old hip-hop star was on life support but said he could not confirm reports that DMX overdosed on drugs and was not sure what caused the heart attack.

"We are concerned," Richman told PIX 11 News (WPIX-TV). "It would be disingenuous to suggest that I'm not a worried man at this particular point.

"I’m very sad about it, extremely sad. He’s like my son," Richman said, according to AP. "He’s just a tremendous person, tremendous entertainer, tremendous human being. And so much to offer, so much to say. Not the run-of-the-mill rapper. A person of great depth."

On Sunday afternoon, his former manager Nakia Walker told The New York Times that DMX was on life support and in a "vegetative state." Walker also shared that some of the rapper's family members had been allowed to visit in the hospital.

The rapper's former manager told Buzzfeed News that he was "in the same condition" all weekend, adding that DMX had experienced "lung and brain failure and no brain activity."

"We're just praying and waiting," Walker added. "Praying and waiting."

DMX's family said "our brother, son, father" was admitted to White Plains Hospital "facing serious health issues" in a statement released through publicist Angelo Ellerbee on Sunday afternoon.

"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 statement said.

The 50-year-old rapper's family announced that a prayer vigil outside White Plains Hospital is set for Monday at 5 pm EST.

Born in Mount Vernon and raised in Yonkers, DMX, whose legal name is Earl Simmons, has faced a string of criminal, legal and personal problems in recent years.

In 2016, Yonkers police and Empress Ambulance first responders saved DMX's life after the rapper was found lifeless outside a Yonkers hotel.

Celebrities and friends of DMX took to social media to offer their prayers and support to the rapper.

Rick Ross shared a video on Instagram Stories asking his followers to pray for "DMX the legend."

Gabrielle Union tweeted: "Please pray, send healing energy, whatever positive vibes you can for #DMX."

The "Ruff Ryders' Anthem" rapper has battled drug addiction and entered rehab in 2019 after spending a year in prison for tax evasion.

“In his ongoing commitment to putting family and sobriety first, DMX has checked himself into a rehab facility,” a statement on DMX’s Instagram read at the time. “He apologizes for his cancelled shows and thanks his fans for their continued support.”

He first made a splash in rap music in 1998 with his first studio album “It’s Dark and Hell is Hot,” which debuted No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart. The multiplatinum selling album was anchored by several hits including “Ruff Ryders’ Anthem,” “Get At Me Dog” and “Stop Being Greedy.”

The rapper had four other chart-topping albums including “...And Then There Was X,” “Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood,” “The Great Depression” and “Grand Champ.” He has released seven albums and earned three Grammy nominations.

DMX also has paved his way as an actor. He starred in the 1998 film “Belly” and appeared in “Romeo Must Die” a couple of years later with Jet Li and the late singer Aaliyah. DMX and Aaliyah teamed up for the film’s soundtrack song “Come Back in One Piece.”

The rapper also starred in “Exit Wounds” with Steven Seagal and “Cradle 2 the Grave” with Li.

Most recently, DMX battled fellow rapper Snoop Dogg during Swizz Beatz and Timbaland's popular web series "Verzuz" in July 2020.

Contributing: The Associated Press

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: DMX remains in New York hospital; family holds Monday prayer vigil