Grammy-nominated US rapper DMX has been taken off life support after suffering a heart attack but his condition remains concerning, his lawyer has said.
The 50-year-old, whose real name is Earl Simmons, was admitted to a New York hospital “in grave condition” after suffering the heart attack on Friday night, attorney Murray Richman said.
DMX’s first wife and some of his 15 children are at his bedside, while “a lot of people are gathering at the hospital”, Mr Richman added.
The rapper has been open about his past struggles with addiction
In a video tweeted by New York’s PIX11 News, Mr Richman said: “DMX is in the hospital presently, he’s been in the hospital as the result of a heart attack.
“He has been taken off the life-support system and is breathing on his own. But we are concerned.
“It would be disingenuous of me to suggest that I’m not a worried man at this particular point.”
When asked if he could confirm a TMZ report that DMX had suffered the heart attack after an apparent overdose, Mr Richman replied: “I refuse to vouch for that because I have no personal knowledge.”
Musicians, celebrities and fans have posted messages on social media, saying they are praying for the rapper’s recovery.
“My Sincere love and prayers go out to my homie @DMX during this difficult time.. Pull through my dude,” tweeted Ice-T.
“DMX prayed over me once and I could feel his anointing. I’m praying for his full recovery,” added Chance The Rapper.
“Sending prayers to Dmx pull thru my brother,” tweeted rapper Big Freedia.
“Praying for DMX,” wrote actress Viola Davis.
DMX has released seven albums and earned three Grammy nominations during his career spanning over 20 years.
His first studio album It’s Dark And Hell Is Hot debuted at Number 1 on the Billboard 200 chart in 1998.
The multiplatinum selling album featured several hits including Ruff Ryders’ Anthem, Get At Me Dog and Stop Being Greedy.
DMX performing at the Woodstock music and arts festival in Rome in 1993
DMX has also paved his way as an actor, starring in several films including Belly, Romeo Must Die, Exit Wounds and Cradle 2 The Grave.
Over the years, DMX has publicly battled with substance abuse and has attended rehabilitation several times.
In 2019 he cancelled a series of shows to check himself into rehab for substance abuse after serving a year-long jail sentence for tax fraud and evasion earlier that year.
In an Instagram post, his team said he apologised for the cancellations and thanked his fans for their continued support.
