DMX to Undergo Brain Function Tests as He Remains in Coma

The rapper has been on life support for four days

BY Allie GregoryPublished Apr 7, 2021

After suffering a heart attack late last week and later going into what his team are calling a "vegetative state," DMX is now scheduled to undergo brain function tests to determine his cognitive activity.

The rapper born Earl Simmons reportedly overdosed Friday night (April 2), and later slipped into a coma following a heart attack. The 50-year-old was taken to the critical care unit of a hospital in White Plains, NY. According to TMZ, Simmons' brain was deprived of oxygen for nearly 30 minutes. 

On Monday (April 5) DMX's team announced that he is "still in the same condition — in a vegetative state, [with] lung and brain failure and no brain activity."

And things have still not improved for the rapper, leading doctors to now pursue a new round of testing. 

"Everything is the same," his manager, Steve Rifkind, announced in an update earlier today. "Just waiting on the results."

He added: "There are multiple people with inaccurate information about his well-being and it is not helpful and productive. Tomorrow he will undergo further tests on his brain function and his family will determine what's best from there. We appreciate your prayers and support."

UPDATE (4/8, 4:45 p.m. ET): According to TMZ, the results of the tests showed DMX has not regained any brain function. As such, his family may soon be faced with the extremely difficult decision about whether to withdraw him from life support.

Fans have been rallying behind Simmons while his family has asked to keep him "in your thoughts, wishes and prayers."

The New York Times reports that hundreds of fans have gathered outside of the White Plains medical facility to play DMX's music and pray for him, with some attendees throwing their arms up in an X formation to pay tribute to the artist's moniker.

Previously, doctors advised fans and family that Simmons might not survive.

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