How Many Children Does DMX Have?

DMX — the Yonkers-based rapper who is known as the "cornerstone of the Ruff Ryders label," per TMZ – was rushed to the hospital in April 2021 in White Plains, N.Y. due to a reported drug overdose. A prolific musician who made his name in the '90s, the 50-year-old has struggled with addiction, going so far as to cancel his last tour in favor of trying to stay sober, according to Rolling Stone.

He reportedly suffered a heart attack as a result of the overdose and is allegedly in critical condition, although Billboard reports his reps have only confirmed he is in the hospital and have not given any indication of his health.

DMX is known for more than just his music, however. He appeared on Season 1 of VH1's Couples Therapy in 2012 along with his then-wife Tashera Simmons (via Distractify). Although the couple attempted to work through their issues, they eventually got divorced as it came to light that DMX had extramarital affairs and fathered a significant number of children.

But just how many kids does he have?

DMX has four children with his ex-wife, Tashera Simmons — Xavier, Tacoma, Praise Mary Ella, and Sean, reported Heavy. Although much is not known about his younger kids with Tashera, the publication wrote that Xavier and Tacoma are following their dad's footsteps in the entertainment industry. Xavier is delving into film and Tacoma is composing music. But it turns out DMX has many more kids.

According to Rolling Out, DMX has confirmed he has fathered children with nine other women. He has two confirmed children with his ex-girlfriend Yadira Borrego and "DNA testing confirmed he is the father of at least two other children." All in all, the rapper has confirmed he is the father of 15 children. His last kid, a boy, was born in 2016 to his then-girlfriend, now-fiancée Desiree Lindstrom, as reported by Distractify. In fact, he has so many children that he filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2013 and cited his child support payments as a reason, though the case was eventually dismissed.

DMX also stated that his children were spread throughout the country and not everyone has met one another. "Some of them have met others," he said (via Rolling Out). "I ain't have kids in the same county ... I got a few in New York; I got a few in Cali."

DMX and ex-wife Tashera Simmons were married for 15 years, and while the couple shared four children together from their relationship, the rapper also fathered several children with other women during the time. In 2012, before calling it quits, DMX and Tashera appeared on season 1 of VH1's Couples Therapy, in which many details about their relationship came to light — including his extramarital affairs and children.

After their stint on Couples Therapy, Tashera ultimately decided to file for divorce and opened up to Essence about the decision. "After the hell I've been through with X, honestly, nothing really bothers me," she explained in regards to criticism for how long she stayed with the rapper, even after his many affairs and children. "No one has walked in my shoes. I realize that it takes a certain kind of woman to even deal with what I've been through."

And no one can deny Tashera's dedication to the marriage — but ultimately, DMX's affairs and other children took a toll, and the duo officially divorced in 2014, via Meaww. Upon her divorce, Tashera was able to focus less on worrying about DMX and his other children and spend more time focusing on the four children that the duo shares together. 

Following an apparent overdose and heart attack, DMX's condition remains unknown as the rapper continues to receive treatment in a hospital. According to TMZ, the rapper's rep said that "he remains in ICU in critical condition" and that "The Simmons Family appreciates the overwhelming outpouring of heartfelt love, encouragement, support and prayers" for him. 

According to the same publication, a family member of DMX said that a paramedic spent 30 minutes trying to resuscitate him, during which he was deprived of oxygen. This lack of oxygen led to potential brain damage, and a family source also told TMZ that "it's not looking good." That being said, the rapper still remains on life support, and it looks like he's getting some emotional support from his children, too.

DMX's children are apparently flooding in to be by their father's side as he continues to receive treatment. We don't know exactly how many of his kids are flying in, but of the 15 that he has, it's safe to say that DMX has a solid support group to be by his side no matter the outcome. Here's wishing DMX the best amid his hospitalization.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse and mental health, please contact SAMHSA's 24-hour National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).