DMX's drug abuse: A look at how rapper's crack addiction began as he remains on life support following overdose
Grammy-nominated rapper DMX aka Earl Simmons is in a "vegetative state" following a heart attack. Sources close to the rapper reportedly revealed that his OD had occurred while he was at home and this had then triggered the heart attack. DMX, 50, was rushed to a hospital in White Plains, New York and initial reports stated that the rapper had "some brain activity" but the prognosis 'is not looking good'. DMX remains on life support and TMZ reports that a lack of oxygen has severely impacted his brain.
The hip-hop icon, who has collaborated with artists including Jay-Z, Ja Rule, Eve and LL Cool J, has battled substance abuse for years. The 'Ruff Ryders' Anthem' rapper and father-of-15 has spent several periods in rehab and had several run-ins with the law on charges including animal cruelty, reckless driving, drug and weapons possession and impersonating a federal officer.
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How did rapper's crack addiction begin?
DMX has spoken openly about his addiction to crack cocaine, which began when he was 14 years old after he smoked a marijuana cigarette laced with the drug. He also claimed that his mother never once showed him affection and that he suffers from bipolar disorder, according to a Shadow League report. In an interview with People's Party's Talib Kweli on November 5, DMX opened up about his drug abuse and introduction to the music industry. He talked about how he was coerced into smoking crack cocaine by his mentor, Ready Ron.
'Blessed with a curse'
"Everything in my life is blessed with a curse," he said, alluding that his mentor helped kickstart his career and made his life worse at the same time. "I didn't smoke cigarettes, I didn't smoke weed, I didn't do anything, 14-years-old."
DMX described the incident during his friend's birthday, during which his friend received money as a gift. "He came back with a blunt rolled up. And as I'm counting the money, he passed the blunt." DMX initially rejected it, so it was passed around the circle of friends, but when Ready Ron passed it back to him, he decided to try it. "I was no longer focused on the money. I've never felt like this. It just f*cked me up." He also noted, "I later found that he laced the blunt with crack."
'Person I loved was a snake'
DMX became emotional and went on to say: "Why would you do that to a child? He knew how I looked up to him. Why would you do that to somebody who looks up to you?" He then bluntly added: "A monster was born. That monster was born." He added, "The person that I loved was a snake."
DMX had a previous health scare on February 10, 2016, when he was found unresponsive in a Ramada Inn parking lot in Yonkers. He was resuscitated by first responders and given Narcan before being rushed to the hospital. A witness said he ingested some type of substance before collapsing, but police found no illegal substances on the property. The rapper's attorney Murray Richman said he believes Simmons suffered an asthma attack, but could not comment on whether drugs were involved.