The Truth About DMX's Overdose
It's a sad time for fans of DMX. The rapper was hospitalized after suffering a drug overdose on April 2, 2021, per TMZ. Sources close to the rapper confirmed to the publication that the drug overdose occurred at his home around 11 p.m., and the overdose reportedly triggered a heart attack. DMX was rushed to a hospital in White Plains, N.Y., where he is reported to be in a "vegetative state."
Throughout his nearly three decades-long career, DMX has established himself as a staple to the hip-hop industry. The rapper became a cornerstone of the Ruff Ryders label, releasing major hits such as "What These B*****s Want" and "Party (Up In Here)." The New York native has touched our hearts and our playlists frequently throughout his career.
However, his struggle with drug abuse became a frequent topic in headlines, often clouding his career accomplishments. Here's everything we know so far about his overdose.
The truth about DMX's drug abuse
DMX's legacy is one that hip-hop enthusiasts everywhere can appreciate and acknowledge. The rapper has several hits that we recite at parties, and his acting has been equally compelling. However, DMX's struggle to separate his old life from his career highlights resulted in an adverse effect on his image. As reported previously by Nicki Swift, the "Ruff Ryders Anthem" crooner has endured substance abuse and has entered rehab on several occasions.
In 2016, the rapper was hospitalized for a near-death experience following a drug overdose. Per Page Six, DMX stopped breathing and had no pulse in the parking lot of a Westchester hotel. Fortunately, a medic on-hand administered Narcan, an anti-opioid used to reverse the effects of a heroin overdose, according to police. The rapper became "semiconscious" and was rushed to a nearby hospital where he received treatment.
In October 2019, after completing a 12-month sentence for tax evasion, the rapper's representatives announced he would be halting his 20th anniversary tour to check into rehab. "In his ongoing commitment to putting family and sobriety first, DMX has checked himself into a rehab facility," read the announcement via Instagram. "He apologizes for his cancelled shows and thanks his fans for their continued support."
In February 2021, DMX teased his upcoming album on N.O.R.E.'s Drink Champs podcast. He revealed the album is slated to feature guests such as Lil Wayne, Snoop Dogg, and proclaimed, "I got Bono — the U2 n***a."
There are conflicting reports on DMX's current status
On the night of April 3, 2021, media outlets reported several conflicting reports about DMX's status. At 7:35 p.m. ET, Yahoo! Entertainment reported that a spokesperson for the rapper said, "I can confirm that [DMX] has been taken off life support and is now breathing on his own. Still not out of the woods yet... I'm unaware of what caused his heart attack."
Later, New York City channel WPIX confirmed this in an interview with DMX's longtime attorney, Murray Richman, posted via video on Twitter. Even though the rapper made some progress, the lawyer was still concerned. Richman said in the video, "It would be disingenuous of me to suggest that I'm not a worried man at this particular point."
Then, at 7:53 p.m. ET, Rolling Stone posted via Twitter that the lawyer said he was "given wrong information" and that DMX still remained on life support. At 10 p.m. ET that same night, DMX's rep seemingly confirmed in a statement issued to TMZ: "At this time he remains in ICU in critical condition." On April 4, the next day, Richman confirmed to CBS News that DMX wasn't off life support or breathing on his own "to [his] knowledge."
Celebs sent well-wishes to DMX via Twitter
Since the news of DMX's overdose broke on April 3, 2021, celebs and fans have been wishing the rapper well and sending prayers via social media. On Twitter, fellow rapper Missy Elliott posted a photo of DMX praying and wrote, "Prayers for DMX and his family." Eminem also posted his well-wishes via Twitter, writing in a tweet, "Prayers out 2 @DMX & his family!! True legend!! Pullin 4 u please stay strong!!" Kid Cudi wrote in his own tweet, "Prayers up for DMX we love you man," accompanied by heart and prayer emojis.
Chance the Rapper quote tweeted a video of DMX reading from the Bible. In the quote-tweet, Chance wrote, "DMX prayed over me once and I could feel his anointing. I'm praying for his full recovery." Fans also posted memories of the rapper on Twitter, including DMX's hobby of growing orchids and how he trained his dog to ad lib for him in rap battles.
Judging from these tweets, DMX's fellow rappers and devoted fans have been among the many people really pulling for his recovery. We are keeping DMX and his family in our prayers.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse and mental health, please contact SAMHSA's 24-hour National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).