Rapper DMX Hospitalized After Apparent Drug Overdose: Report

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DMX is in the hospital following a drug overdose, according to TMZ.

The rapper, 50 — whose real name is Earl Simmons — reportedly had an overdose, which triggered a heart attack, at his home around 11 p.m. local time on Friday.

TMZ reported that the “X Gon’ Give It to Ya” hitmaker was taken to a hospital in White Plains, New York, where he remains in the critical care unit.

Sources told TMZ that the rapper has “some brain activity” while another said he is in a “vegetative state.” 

Authorities in White Plains and a representative for DMX did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s requests for comment.

RELATED: Demi Lovato ‘Couldn’t See’ Her Shoes or Tweeze Eyebrows After Overdose: ‘The Implications Were Difficult’

After news of his hospitalization was made public, several stars and musicians expressed thoughts and prayers on social media.

Eric B, who makes up one-half of the rap duo Eric B. & Rakim, posted an image of himself and DMX on Instagram. “Please pray for my brother DMX,” he wrote, adding the hashtag, “#DMXhospitalized.”

Rick Ross also sent a heartwarming message to DMX in a post shared to his Instagram Story, telling his followers, “Prayers up for DMX the legend, let’s put that in the sky.”

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“Prayers up for my brother DMX…” Ja Rule tweeted alongside an array of praying hand emojis, as Missy Elliot shared a photograph of the rapper and wrote, “Prayers for DMX and his family,” alongside her post.

“Nothing but positive vibes and healing prayers to my friend #DMX …” Loni Love said.

Jersey Shore star Paul “DJ Pauly D” DelVecchio added: “Damn Prayers Up For #dmx The Legend Right Now.”

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DMX has been open about his struggle with drug addiction throughout the years.

In 2017, DMX canceled a series of planned performances to reenter a rehabilitation facility, according to Rolling Stone.

“It is important right now that he take some time off to focus on his health so that he can be a better father, friend and entertainer,” DMX’s manager Pat Gallo said in a statement at the time.

DMX returned to rehab in 2019, shortly after he was released from prison on tax evasion charges. 

In an Instagram post shared in October that year, a statement read, “In his ongoing commitment to putting family and sobriety first, DMX has checked himself into a rehab facility,” adding, “He apologizes for his cancelled [sic] shows and thanks his fans for their continued support.”

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