Prayer Vigil for Rapper DMX Held Outside New York Hospital

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 28: DMX performs at Masters Of Ceremony 2019 at Barclays Center
Theo Wargo/Getty Images

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. (AP) — Supporters and family of the rapper DMX chanted his name and offered up prayers Monday outside the New York hospital where he remained on life support.

The 50-year-old was admitted to the hospital on Friday, following a heart attack.

The crowd outside White Plains Hospital called “DMX! DMX!” and when urged to by the main speaker, crossed their arms in the shape of an X. A woman’s sobs reverberated as those in the audience heard a recording of the rapper, whose birth name is Earl Simmons.

Ruff Ryders To The Rescue Foundation and fans hold Candlelight Vigil For Rapper DMX on April 05, 2021 in White Plains, New York. The 50-year-old rapper was admitted to the hospital after reportedly suffering a heart attack over the weekend. (Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)

Simmons’ longtime lawyer, Murray Richman, said Sunday that the rapper was admitted to the intensive care unit but he was not sure what caused the heart attack.

DMX made his rap debut in 1998, and has released seven albums in a career that has included three Grammy nominations. He also acted in several movies.

But substance abuse has been a struggle for him over the years, including in 2019 when he canceled shows to go to a rehabilitation facility.

Nevertheless, he retained his standing among fans. An online face-off last year with fellow rapper Snoop Dogg as part of the Verzuz series brought more than 500,000 viewers.

COMMENTS

Please let us know if you're having issues with commenting.