American rapper DMX, real name Earl Simmons, was rushed to White Plains, New York hospital at around 11 pm on Friday after he suffered a drug overdose.

Reports in the US media indicate that the prognosis is far from good and that the once high-flying rapper is in critical condition after being rushed to hospital.

According to media report, sources close to DMX reported that the overdose may have triggered a heart attack and that the 50-year-old rapper is in a “vegetative state.

DMX. PHOTO/COURTESY

The popular Ruff Ryders rapper has had problems with the law for over a decade and has been in and out of prison for substance abuse.

Reports of his overdose has sent shockwaves throughout the rap community where DMX is considered a legend and one of the best lyricists to ever grace the rapping stage.

Rappers Ja Rule, Missy Elliot and Rick Ross are among superstars who are leading prayers for the recovery of the now struggling rapper, who was once the best rapper in the world.

His first major-label album, It's Dark and Hell Is Hot, which included the hit single "Ruff Ryders Anthem" which propeled him to global fame, was released in May 1998 and debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart in the US and sold more than 5 million copies.

DMX. PHOTO/COURTESY

At the height of his illustrious rap career, DMX featured in the movies Exit Wounds (2001), Angel: One More Road to Cross (2001), Cradle 2 the Grave (2003) and Never Die Alone (2004).