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DMX fans gather outside hospital as he remains in intensive care

Rapper suffered a heart attack after reportedly taking an overdose last week

Peony Hirwani
Monday 05 April 2021 12:46 BST
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DMX hosts Bible study on Instagram in April 2020

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Fans of US rapper DMX rallied outside the White Plains Hospital in Westchester on Sunday (4 April), after he suffered a heart attack last week.

The 50-year-old songwriter, real name Earl Simmons, remains in the hospital’s intensive care unit after he was taken off life support, following an overdose that triggered the heart attack.

Bikers linked to DMX’s hip-hop collective Ruff Ryders also appeared in front of the hospital to offer their support.

One of DMX’s family member’s told TMZ that paramedics tried to resuscitate the rapper for 30 minutes and that his brain function was severely impacted due to lack of oxygen at the time.

After news broke that claimed he was in a “vegetative state”, DMX’s attorney has updated fans on his wellbeing, saying that he is presently breathing on his own.

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Previously, DMX has been open about his use of illegal drugs and has spoken about entering rehab in 2019 after serving time in federal prison on a tax fraud conviction.

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

After checking out of rehab in December 2019, the rapper told fans during a concert in Las Vegas: “When you fall down, get back up. Everyone here has been through some s***, and you never know what God is willing to do for you until you need him to do something for you.”

DMX made a huge mark in rap music in 1998 with his first studio album It’s Dark and Hell is Hot, which peaked at No 1 on the Billboard 200 chart. The multiplatinum-selling collection featured hits such as “Get At Me Dog”, “Ruff Ryders’ Anthem,” and “Stop Being Greedy”.

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