DMX Update: Brain Function Reportedly Unchanged as Family Faces Difficult Decision

DMX's brain function remains unchanged nearly a week after he was first rushed to a New York hospital after suffering a heart attack. On Wednesday, the rapper, whose real name is Earl Simmons, underwent a series of tests to determine the level of brain function, as the rapper's brain was reportedly deprived of oxygen for nearly 30 minutes. The results of those tests were "not good,""and DMX's family is said to now be facing the decision of whether or not to remove him from life support.

The new health update comes from sources with direct knowledge who spoke to TMZ on Thursday, just a day after the rapper was scheduled to undergo "further testing" and just a day shy of him being hospitalized for a full week. The condition of the rapper, who remains in a coma on life support, has reportedly not improved and he has little to no brain function, the tests showed. The rapper's family has been at his side throughout his hospitalization and "may soon be faced with a tormenting decision… whether to withdraw life support," according to the outlet. In the wake of the tests, DMX's family have reportedly asked Steve Rifkind, his longtime friend and manager, to fly to New York. At this time, DMX's family has not released an updated statement on his condition.

DMX was initially reported on Friday, April 2, after he suffered a heart attack at his home at around 11 p.m. that night. In a statement, his family confirmed the rapper "was admitted to [White Plains, N.Y.] Hospital, facing serious health issues." Initial reports said the heart attack was triggered by a potential overdose, though no one in DMX's camp has commented on those reports. The rapper had to be revived three times, according to reports – two at his home and then again at the hospital, and TMZ reported his brain was deprived of oxygen for nearly 30 minutes. As a result, sources said he had "little brain activity." In a statement Saturday afternoon, DMX's attorney, Murray Richman, said the rapper "is in grave condition."

On Monday, fans gathered with DMX's family outside of the hospital for a prayer vigil, and social media has continued to be flooded with tributes and well wishes. The family has said they appreciate "the overwhelming outpouring of heartfelt love, encouragement, support and prayers for Earl."

Born in Mount Vernon, New York in 1970, DMX began rapping in the early '90s, releasing his debut album It's Dark and Hell Is Hot in 1998. Throughout his decades-long career, the rapper has been nominated for multiple Grammy awards, including for the single "Party Up (Up In Here)," and his bestselling album, 1999's And Then There Was X, went platinum five times. In total, DMX's albums have gone platinum 14 times and his first five albums all rose to No. 1 on the U.S. charts.