NEW YORK—Earl Simmons 50, known as rapper and actor DMX, was hospitalized on Friday, April 2 after collapsing at his residence due to a heart attack. The rapper was transported to a hospital in White Plains, New York.
According to reports from DMX’s Lawyer Murray Richman, “He had a heart attack. He’s quite ill, I’m very sad about it, extremely sad. He’s like my son.”
“He’s just a tremendous person, tremendous entertainer, tremendous human being. And so much to offer, so much to say. Not the run-of-the-mill rapper. A person of great depth,” Richman added.
The cause of DMX’s heart attack has not been confirmed, but physicians indicated the heart attack may be a result of a drug overdose.
DMX released top-of-the-chart albums that included “And Then There Was X,” “Flesh of My Flesh,” “Blood of My Blood,” “The Great Depression” and “Grand Champ.” The musician was nominated for three Grammy Awards.
He started his acting career in 1998 in the film “Belly,” where he was cast alongside hip-hop artists Method Man and Nas. In 2000, he appeared in the action thriller “Exit Wounds” with a lead role, co-staring wtih Steven Seagal. In 2003, he played alongside Jet Li in the movie “Cradle 2 the Grave.”
DMX faced six months in prison for not paying child support. He has a total of 15 children. In 2018, he served a year in jail for allegedly failing to pay taxes, the rapper pleaded not guilty during his appearance in court.
He was a victim of substance abuse, and in 2019 checked himself in a rehab facility. In July 2020, DMX battled rapper Snoop Dogg, on Verzuz, Swizz Beatz, and Timbaland’s web series. A vigil was recently held outside the hospital where DMX is currently being treated.
