Rapper DMX – real name Earl Simmons – has “not regained brain function” one week on from his tragic heart attack.
The 50-year-old’s condition has reportedly not shown any improvement following a series of tests carried out on Wednesday, leaving his family to face the agonising decision of whether to keep DMX on life support.
According to TMZ, these tests confirmed there was “no improvement in brain activity” since he was first rushed to hospital last Friday after being deprived of oxygen for almost 30 minutes.
The results were “not good”, and the family appears to have asked DMX’s long-time friend and manager Steve Rifkind to fly out to New York to see his ailing friend.
TMZ says it’s “another sign that hope is dwindling”.
There has been speculation that DMX’s cardiac arrest was the result of a drug overdose – however, lawyer Murray Richman was unable to confirm rumours, and claimed he did not know the reason for the emergency treatment.
DMX is being taken care of at White Plains Hospital, north of New York City.
His former manager Nakia Walker said earlier today that he is in a “vegetative state” with “lung and brain failure”.
The newest development comes after Steve Rifkind told People they were “just waiting on the doctors to tell us what the next steps are.”
They elaborated that the latest round of tests would “dictate further decisions to be made by DMX’s family.”
DMX has been visited by some of his 15 children while in hospital for what is thought to be a “final goodbye”.
The rapper’s fans have also shown an outpouring of support, as a prayer vigil was held by friends, family and fans outside the hospital.
His ex-wife Tashera Simmons and fiancée Desiree Lindstrom were among those gathered to pray for the star.
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Fans chanted “DMX! DMX!” and held giant balloons in the shape of the rapper’s initials, while a recording of DMX rapping was played.
Rapper Master P has called on the hip hop community to look after its own following the news.
He told TMZ: “I’m praying for DMX and his family, and I hope that people start celebrating these icons while they’re alive.
“I feel like hip hop needs some type of union. The NBA have it… We need that,” he continued.
DMX has released seven albums in his long career, and received three Grammy nominations.
His biggest hit X Gon’ Give It To Ya was his most successful international single after it released in 2003.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
