Updated 04/09/2021: On April 9, after nearly a week in the hospital, rapper DMX has died from heart attack complications, according to a statement from his family, reports CNN. 

“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,” his family said. “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.”

This article was originally published on April 5, 2021. 

On April 2, Grammy-nominated rapper DMX, age 50, was hospitalized in serious condition after suffering a heart attack at home. He is currently on life support, reports The Associated Press (AP).

A representative of DMX, whose real name is Earl Simmons, initially told TMZ that Simmons collapsed at home and was in in critical condition in an intensive care unit. “Earl has been a warrior his entire life,” the rep said. “This situation represents yet another road he must conquer.”

DMX’s longtime layer, Murry Richman, confirmed that the rapper was hospitalized, adding that he was now on life support.

“I’m very sad about it, extremely sad,” Richman said. “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.”

In recent years, the entertainer had struggled with substance misuse and in 2019 checked himself into rehab. But Richman said he could not verify the cause of the heart attack.

Fellow hip-hop artists, celebrities and fans sent prayers and love to DMX and his family via social media. “We Love you X get well fast,” wrote rapper and actor LL Cool J on Twitter. Chance the Rapper recalled DMX once praying over him and feeling “his anointing,” while rapper Eminem described DMX as a “true legend” and urged him to “stay strong!”

“I grew up with DMX songs, music videos and movies,” wrote Twitter user @_JB88_. “He’s always been one of my favorite artists in hip-hop. Such a unique voice and sound. You’re in my thoughts and prayers.”

Another fan, @MimiDoesTarot, stressed the severity of addiction in a Twitter thread, commenting that people with substance use problems should not be treated like criminals. “An addiction is a mental illness,” she wrote. “They need help, not jail, not to be vilified, not to be harmed.”

  

A prayer vigil is to be held tonight, starting at 5 p.m., outside of White Plains Hospital, where DMX is currently hospitalized, according to the AP.

“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,” said his family through a publicist.

For related coverage, read “Chicago Rapper G Herbo Connects Black Youth to Mental Health Services” and “Hip-Hop Mogul Dr. Dre Recovering After a Brain Aneurysm.”