DMX’s manager is pleading with fans to "stop posting rumors" falsely claiming that the rapper has died.
The performer, whose real name is Earl Simmons, had a heart attack at his home last Friday (April 2).
Yesterday (April 9), Steven J. Rifkin, his manager, confirmed once and for all in a video posted to Instagram that the musician is still alive, but is currently on life support.
"Everybody, please stop with posting these rumors," Rifkind said in the short clip. "DMX is still alive. Yes, he is on life support, but please, it’s not helping anybody by having them see these false rumors."
The manager went on to ask that the fans "let the family relax for a night, you’ll be hearing a statement from the family sometime tomorrow."
Rifkin continued: "I've been with DMX for the past three years so the only thing I ask is stop with the rumors. He is still alive and he is on life support. Thank you."
The hashtag #RIPDMX was trending on Thursday night after comedian Luenell posted an RIP message in relation to the rapper on Instagram.
She then decided to delete the post, which she apologized for. Luenell explained that she considered someone to be "gone" when "your spirit leaves and your organs fail you".
Rifkind had previously urged the public to stop spreading "inaccurate information" in connection with DMX – a father of 15 – calling it "not helpful and not productive".
According to TMZ, the artist has been at White Plains Hospital since Friday night after he had a drug overdose that went on to cause a heart attack. The Ruff Ryders MC had been deprived of oxygen for about half an hour as doctors tried to resuscitate him.
A number of sources told the entertainment outlet that he was left with "little brain activity".
The rapper has had a troubled history with drug addiction and had most recently checked into rehab in October 2019, per Page Six.
The outlet also states that DMX had revealed that his drug habit can be traced back to a time when he was "tricked" into smoking crack at the age of just 14.
