DMX is in grave condition at a White Plains, N.Y., hospital after a heart attack, according to his longtime attorney and friend Murray Richman.
Richman told The Washington Post that the rapper, whose real name is Earl Simmons, is on life support, surrounded by family members including his ex-wife, current partner and children.
Richman said he had no knowledge that Simmons, 50, suffered a drug overdose, as reported by TMZ. A representative for Simmons told TMZ that he was rushed to the hospital on Friday night after collapsing at his home.
"At this time he remains in ICU in critical condition," the statement said, according to TMZ. "Earl has been a warrior his entire life. This situation represents yet another road he must conquer."
The rapper burst on the music scene in 1998 when his debut album "It's Dark and Hell is Hot" became a platinum-selling success, boasting hit singles such as "Ruff Ryders Anthem" and "How's It Goin' Down."
He furthered his ascent to hip-hop legend status with more platinum-selling records, including the crossover smash "Party Up (Up in Here)."
DMX is one of the few rappers to have his first five studio albums debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, GQ reported.
Simmons has also chronicled his abuse-riddled childhood and drug addiction in his music and in interviews.
In 2013, he told motivational speaker and life coach Iyanla Vanzant that he struggled with dagga, crack cocaine and cocaine and was battling addiction even when he signed his first major recording deal.
Lateshia Beachum