Grammy-nominated rapper DMX, real name Earl Simmons, is in a New York hospital in grave condition, followed a heart attack reportedly triggered by a drug overdose.
The 50-year-old rapper had previously been on life support but, according to his lawyer, has now been taken off the life support system and is again breathing on his own.
"We are concerned. It would be disingenuous of me to suggest that I'm not a worried man at this particular point," Murray Richman, the rapper's lawyer, said.
DMX has reportedly been taken off life support and is breathing on his own, according to his lawyer. Keep praying π pic.twitter.com/jYqyuCzZUA
— DatPiff (@DatPiff) April 3, 2021
According to TMZ, the heart attack was triggered by a drug overdose. The entertainment news site states the rapper's prognosis is "not good".
Musicians and other celebrities have taken to social media to send the rapper their well wishes and ask the world to "pray for DMX".
"Today is 4/3/21 - it's only right that we celebrate the talent and genius of my brother," LL Cool J tweeted, referencing his hit song "4, 3, 2, 1", featuring DMX.
Today is 4/3/21 - itβs only right that we celebrate the talent and genius of my brother @DMX on the 4,3,2,1 song. We Love you X get well fast. ππΎβπΎ pic.twitter.com/2YejrFdo5E
— LLCOOLJ (@llcoolj) April 3, 2021
"Prayers for DMX and his family," Missy Elliott wrote on Twitter.
Prayers for DMX and his familyππΎπ pic.twitter.com/NhKIx0aAyj
— Missy Elliott (@MissyElliott) April 3, 2021
A chorus of other celebrities joined in on the well wishes, as the rapper remains in serious condition since being admitted to hospital on Friday (US time).
Please pray, send healing energy, whatever positive vibes you can for #DMX ππΎππΎππΎ π€π€π€
— Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) April 3, 2021
ππΎππΎππΎππΎππΎππΎππΎππΎππΎππΎππΎππΎππΎππΎππΎππΎππΎππΎππΎππΎππΎππΎππΎππΎPrayers up for my brother DMX... π
— Ja Rule (@jarule) April 3, 2021
Praying for DMX ππππΏ
— Viola Davis (@violadavis) April 3, 2021
DMX prayed over me once and I could feel his anointing. Iβm praying for his full recovery https://t.co/xVaid2NYqC
— Chance The Rapper (@chancetherapper) April 3, 2021
DMX the world is praying ππΎ
— MAXWELL (@_MAXWELL_) April 3, 2021
Prayers out 2 @DMX & his family!! True legend!! Pullin 4 u please stay strong!!
— Marshall Mathers (@Eminem) April 3, 2021
DMXβs first FIVE albums went no. 1. Heβs the only rapper to ever do this. Donβt play with Earl Simmons.
— Ronald Isley (@yoyotrav) April 3, 2021
DMXβs story is so heartbreaking. He was truly one of the most captivating artists of my lifetime. Itβs hard to explain just how massive he was in the late 90s/early 00s. He touched people in a ways I canβt explain. Prayers up for the legend.
— Andrew Barber (@fakeshoredrive) April 3, 2021
The rapper remains in critical condition at the White Plains hospital in New York.
Weβre in White Plains where DMX is hospitalized after an apparent drug overdose and heart attack. @RichardGFox5 will bring you details at 6pm and Iβll have more for you at 10pm. Sending prayers to him and his loved ones. @fox5ny @LisaEvers @danbowensfox5 @theellen_show pic.twitter.com/UieAKra0G9
— Dana Arschin (@DanaArschin) April 3, 2021
The rapper has previously opened up about his addiction to crack cocaine, which began when he was 14 after he smoked a marijuana cigarette laced with the drug.
DMX shot to stardom in the early 1990s, with his debut album "It's Dark and Hell Is Hot" in 1998, which received both critical acclaim and commercial success, selling 251,000 copies within its first week of release.
He has since topped the charts numerous times, in the US and around the world.
He is believed to be the father of 15 children, including the four he shares with ex-wife Tashera Simmons.
The musician became a father for the 15th time when girlfriend Desiree Lindstrom had his baby in 2016, according to Us Weekly.