DMX: Rapper in ‘grave condition’ after drug overdose triggers heart attack, report says
Rapper is said to be in a ‘vegetative state’
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Update: DMX’s attorney has updated the rapper’s fans on his health, saying that he is breathing on his own after being taken off life support.
DMX is in critical condition after taking a drug overdose, it has been reported.
The rapper, 50, is believed to have been rushed to a New York hospital on Friday (2 April), with sources claiming the overdose triggered a heart attack.
According to TMZ, the rapper has “some brain activity”, but the source described him as being in a “vegetative state”.
Following the news, figures from the world of rap, including Missy Elliott and Rick Ross, led “prayers” to the star.
DMX – real name Earl Simmons – is one of the biggest rap stars to have emerged from the 1990s.
In the US, his first five albums, including the 1998 debut It's Dark and Hell Is Hot, reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 charts.
The rapper has also appeared in numerous films, including action thrillers Romeo Must Die (2000), Exit Wounds (2001) and Cradle 2 the Grave (2003).
DMX has previously spoken about his addiction to crack cocaine, which he said began when he was 14. He has been in and out of rehab over the years, the most recent time occurring in 2019 when he checked himself in.
At the time, DMX’s team released a statement reading: “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.”
He went on to address his time there during his first performance after checking out in December 2019.
“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,” he told fans at the Las Vegas show.
In 2013, he told American TV personality Dr Phil that he was “always going to be an addict until I die”, two years after he claimed to have “let the cocaine go” so he could focus on raising his children.
During the interview, he said he still smokes marijuana “every once in a while”.
DMX has recently been working on his ninth record, a follow-up to 2012’s Undisputed.
The Independent has contacted DMX’s representatives for comment.