Rapper Earl Simmons, known by his stage name DMX, remains hospitalized and on life support after suffering from a heart attack.
The 50-year-old was taken to a White Plains, New York hospital on Friday in grave condition after suffering a heart attack at his home around 11 p.m., according to DMX’s attorney Murray Richman.
Richman told NBC News on Saturday that upon hospitalization, DMX had to be resuscitated and was put on life support.
The attorney said, “Earl is a sweet guy. Earl was a person who could tell such a story. He was a person with such depth. It’s a heartbreaker,” adding, “He’s quite ill. I’m very sad about it, extremely sad. He’s like my son.”
Richman told the Associated Press that he did not know what caused DMX’s heart attack.
On Saturday night, DMX’s rep said the rapper “remains in ICU in critical condition.”
The rep told TMZ, “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,” the rep added. “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.”
DMX has often talked about his struggle with drug addiction throughout the years.
In 2017, he canceled a series of planned performances to reenter a rehabilitation facility, per Rolling Stone.
At the time, DMX’s manager Pat Gallo said, “It is important right now that he take some time off to focus on his health so that he can be a better father, friend and entertainer.”
In 2019, DMX returned to rehab after he was released from prison on tax evasion charges.
In October 2019, a statement read, “In his ongoing commitment to putting family and sobriety first, DMX has checked himself into a rehab facility. He apologizes for his cancelled [sic] shows and thanks his fans for their continued support.” The story appeared on PEOPLE.
