Hundreds of Fans & Bikers Shower DMX with Prayers at Vigil in White Plains

Hundreds of friends, fans, and supporters showed up for DMX who is currently fighting for his life after suffering a heart attack.

A prayer vigil was held outside of White Plains Hospital on Monday (April 5th) in support of legendary rapper DMX, who is currently fighting for his life in the intensive care unit.  Hundreds of friends, fans, and supporters came out to support the rapper, who has been in life support since Saturday when he suffered a heart attack. TMZ, who broke the story, said the heart attack was caused by a drug overdose but the family has not confirmed that claim. The latest to come from DMX’s family came in the form of a statement on Sunday, which read:

"Last night Earl ‘DMX’ Simmons was rushed to the hospital after collapsing at home. At this time he remains in ICU in critical condition. Earl has been a warrior his entire life. This situation represents yet another road he must cross."

On that same day, ex-manager and family friend Nakia Walker told the New York Times that he was in a “vegetative state.”

"I've been listening to him since 98, 99, for most of my childhood," Alex, a fan in attendance at the vigil said. "I'm here to wake that man up."

An exact number is hard to determine, but CNN is reporting that at least 500 supporters were in attendance and that the block had to be cut off so fans could gather. At various points, the crowd could be heard chanting the rapper's name, as bikers from The Ruff Ryders Motorcycle Club drove by. Speakers were set up to play some of DMX's most memorable songs and prayers, including "Lord Give Me a Sign,” “Party Up,” and "Prayer III" from ... And Then There Was X.

According to Cousin, a fan in attendance, the prayers DMX would have on his album was one of the reasons why he was so impactful.

"I turn on that [DMX album and] I hit a prayer before I hit a song. Right after that prayer, I gotta rock out," Cousin said. "That's such an impact on your heart. I don't even personally know him, but just the fact that he touch your heart like that? That's real."

In attendance was Shawyn Patterson-Howard, Mayor of Mount Vernon, actress Paige Hurd, Tashera Simmons, DMX's ex-wife, and Desiree Lindstrom and their son, Exodus. 

DMX, who is 50, is a vital member of the Westchester County community. He was born Earl Simmons in Mount Vernon and raised in Yonkers — more specifically School Street, a rough building in Yonkers. DMX's tough upbringing and tales were all over his music. Even as he became the most popular rapper in the world at one point — dropping two platinum albums in the same year — the neighborhood was always important, doing countless community-based acts like turkey drives over the years. 

JB, a White Plains native, knows what DMX meant to his neighborhood.

"[I'm] representing for [my] man DMX on the spot. School Street, Warburton [Ave], Locust Hill [Ave], all that. I came for the support," JB said. "I hope he pulls through, and we love you X. We here for you and we all out here for you."

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On-scene reporting by Anthony Cosme