DMX: Rapper’s children and fiancée among those attending prayer vigil outside hospital

Rapper remains in intensive care after suffering a heart attack

The family of rapper DMX held a prayer vigil outside White Plains Hospital in Westchester, New York, on Monday afternoon (5 April).

Among those in the crowd were his fiancee, Desiree, and their son, Exodus, according to TMZ. Hospital workers also joined in the event by standing in the windows holding up an “X” sign.

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 a heart attack.

Some of DMX’s children also flew to visit the rapper in the ICU, says TMZ. They will reportedly be permitted to see the rapper one at a time, per Covid-19 regulations.

“On Friday night … our brother, son, father, and colleague DMX, birth name of Earl Simmons, was admitted to White Plains hospital, facing serious health issues,” the family said through a publicist.

“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.”

Earlier on Monday, basketball champion LeBron James tweeted his well wishes to DMX, writing, “To one of my fav artist(s) growing up and still to this day DMX, my prayers are with you and sent to the almighty heaven’s above!”

On Sunday (4 April), bikers linked to DMX’s hip-hop collective Ruff Ryders also appeared in front of the hospital to offer their support.

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

Previously, DMX had 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.

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“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 was hugely influential 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”.