Hosp prayer vigil for DMX
Rapper is in a ‘vegetative state,’ ex-manager quoted
Fans of Ruff Ryders legend DMX gathered for a vigil early Monday evening at the Westchester County hospital where the rapper is reportedly in critical condition after a weekend heart attack triggered by a drug overdose.
DMX, whose real name is Earl Simmons, is on life support, in a “vegetative state,” according to The New York Times, which quoted the performer’s former manager. Simmons, 50, was rushed to White Plains Hospital on Friday night after suffering a heart attack at his nearby home.
Website TMZ reported the heart attack was triggered by a drug overdose.
The Ruff Ryders to the Rescue Foundation organized the evening prayer vigil outside the hospital, where motorcycles revved their engines and circled the facility, a show of support from the Ruff Ryders bike crew featured in such DMX videos as “Ruff Ryders Anthem,” “Where the Hood At?” and “What’s My Name?”
Hundreds of fans also joined along in a medley of the rapper’s greatest hits. Among those in the crowd were Simmons’ fiancée, Desiree Lindstrom, and their son, Exodus. Inside the hospital, workers stood in the windows holding up “X” signs.
Family friend Stephanie Reed, emphasized the importance of religion in the musician’s life, adding that “they couldn’t even get on the plane” without the rapper stopping to say a prayer. She encouraged the hip-hop star’s fans to stay positive.
“We aren’t going to talk about the negative,” the rapper’s publicist said. “We are going to lift him up in prayer.”
Simmons, has been battling drug addiction for years, and in 2019 canceled a performance at the Rolling Loud Music Festival at Citi Field and checked into rehab. He also missed a gig in Brooklyn where he had been scheduled to perform for Def Jam’s 35th anniversary, it was reported at the time.
Celebrities from LL Cool J to Missy Elliott to Eric B. have flooded social media with well wishes and prayers.
DMX was released from prison in January 2019 after serving time for tax evasion.
Despite the pandemic, DMX had been holding modest performances this year and was planning a small tour in Indiana and Texas in May, according to his Instagram page.