Master P says DMX's OD could have been avoided, calls for rappers' union: 'Drugs killed a lot of our great ones'

"We’ve got to celebrate a lot of these icons when they’re alive, all these things we could have done for DMX to help him," he added. According to Master P, there will "never be another DMX" because "he’s one of a kind". He told TMZ: "I hope that God spares him so he can be with us even longer."

It emerged on Thursday, April 8, that family members of the acclaimed rapper may be forced to take a decision on whether to continue life support after a brain function tests. The gifted songwriter, whose real name is Earl Simmons, is still in coma and reportedly has no brain activity since he was admitted to hospital last Friday. His brain tests "showed no improvement" of activity and he had to be revived three times since last Friday, according to TMZ and ET.

A source told ET how medics had "tried to revive him twice in the house, and revived him again in the hospital". The insider added: "This is a very difficult time for the family. They are standing by his bedside, holding his hand and praying. They are really in prayer mode."

Hospital staff made an "X" sign with their arms out the window as the rapper's fans gathered in an emotional vigil downstairs. Meanwhile, DMX's longtime manager and friend, Steve Rifkin, has been asked to fly out to New York, The Sun reported. In an email, family members of the rap star asked that fans keep him in their "thoughts, wishes, and prayers".

"On Friday night, April 2nd, 2021, our brother, son, father, and colleague DMX, birth name of Earl Simmons, was admitted to White Plains Hospital (in New York), facing serious health issues," the family said in an email seen by AP. "We ask that you please keep Earl/DMX and us in your thoughts, wishes, and prayers as well as respect our privacy as we face these challenges."