DMX has died age 50 one week after his overdose

The rapper DMX has died aged 50 almost a week after his heart attack and reported overdose.

His family confirmed the news in a statement saying: ‘We are deeply saddened to announce today that our loved one, DMX, birth name of Earl Simmons, passed away at 50 years old at White Plains Hospital with his family by his side after being placed on life support for the past few days.’

The news came after it was reported Friday that his organs had failed, and that he had ‘not regained any brain function’ and his condition had not improved after a series of tests that were performed on Wednesday. 

‘Earl was a warrior who fought till the very end. He loved his family with all of his heart and we cherish the times we spent with him,’ the statement, shared via People, continued. ‘Earl’s music inspired countless fans across the world and his iconic legacy will live on forever.’

‘We appreciate all of the love and support during this incredibly difficult time. Please respect our privacy as we grieve the loss of our brother, father, uncle and the man the world knew as DMX. We will share information about his memorial service once details are finalized.’

The tests had reportedly left his family with the agonizing decision over whether to keep the 50-year-old entertainer on life support. 

The statement included a response from the hospital which read: ‘White Plains Hospital extends its deepest condolences to the family of Mr. Simmons, as well as his friends and legions of fans who expressed their unwavering support during this difficult time. Earl Simmons passed away peacefully with family present after suffering a catastrophic cardiac arrest.’ 

TMZ reported that the tests had proved there was ‘no improvement in brain activity’ since the rapper was first rushed into hospital last Friday, after he was deprived of any oxygen for nearly half an hour.

The test results had been described as ‘not good’ in the Thursday report. His family requested that longtime friend and former manager Steve Rifkind fly to New York on Friday to be by his side.

TMZ reported Monday that some of DMX’s 15 children had been visiting him in the hospital.

Later that same day, a prayer vigil was held by family, friends and fans outside the hospital where DMX was receiving care in White Plains, New York.

DMX has been holding on to life for several days after allegedly overdosing and subsequently having a heart attack.

‘On Friday night, April 2nd, 2021, our brother, son, father, and colleague DMX, birth name of Earl Simmons, was admitted to White Plains (NY) Hospital, facing serious health issues,’ the family said through a publicist before his death. 

‘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.’

Another statement released on Sunday afternoon said the rapper remained in a coma and was on a ventilator.

Simmons’ longtime lawyer, Murray Richman, said the rapper was admitted to the intensive care unit at White Plains Hospital after going into cardiac arrest.

Richman said he could not confirm reports that DMX had overdosed on drugs and was not sure what had caused the heart attack.

‘He had a heart attack. He’s quite ill,’ Richman said. ‘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.’

Sources told TMZ that the star overdosed around 11pm on Friday and was rushed to the hospital.

One relative explained that paramedics tried to resuscitate him for 30 minutes when en route to the hospital, during which time he was deprived of oxygen for an extended period.

Doctors said the lack of oxygen severely affected his brain, with one family member saying ‘It’s not looking good.’

‘Last night Earl ‘DMX’ Simmons was rushed to the hospital after collapsing at home. At this time he remains in ICU in critical condition. Earl has been a warrior his entire life. This situation represents yet another road he must conquer,’ a statement by the family read.

‘The Simmons Family appreciates the overwhelming outpouring of heartfelt love, encouragement, support and prayers for Earl. Earl is someone whose life and music have been a source of inspiration and strength to so many people around the world. It is reassuring to see his fans return that same passion and energy to him during his time of need.’

Kelly Rowland was among an array of celebrities offering prayers for DMX this weekend. ‘Lord God in Heaven, bless our brother DMX,’ said Rowland, 40, in an emotional video on her Insta Stories this Saturday, ‘I ask that you would bless his family.’

DMX first made a splash in rap music in 1998 with his first studio album ‘It’s Dark and Hell is Hot,’ which debuted No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart. The multiplatinum selling album was anchored by several hits including ‘Ruff Ryders´ Anthem,’ ‘Get At Me Dog’ and ‘Stop Being Greedy.’

The rapper had four other chart-topping albums including ‘…And Then There Was X,’ ‘Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood,’ ‘The Great Depression’ and ‘Grand Champ.’ He has released seven albums and earned three Grammy nominations.

Along with his music career, DMX paved his way as an actor. He starred in the 1998 film ‘Belly’ and appeared in ‘Romeo Must Die’ a couple years later with Jet Li and the late singer Aaliyah.

DMX and Aaliyah teamed up for the film’s soundtrack song ‘Come Back in One Piece.’