Country-rap performer Colt Ford is currently in the intensive care unit at the Banner Desert Medical Center in Mesa, Arizona, after the artist suffered a heart attack on Thursday night (April 4) following a show at Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row in Gilbert, Arizona. At press time Ford’s team had no further updates on his condition.
The Georgia native first rose to prominence in 2008 via his album Ride Through the Country, and became a forerunner of the blending of country and hip-hop that has become so popular over the past several years. He is a co-writer on and originally recorded “Dirt Road Anthem,” in 2008 alongside Brantley Gilbert. The song went on to become a No. 1 Billboard Country Airplay hit for Jason Aldean in 2011.
Colt Ford earned five consecutive top 10 debuts on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart, with 2012’s Declaration of Independence opening at No. 1. Two years later, his Thanks for Listening rose into the top 10 on the Billboard 200 and rang the bell at No. 1 on the Billboard Rap & Independent chart.
Ford has also been open about his health struggles over the past few years, including battling eye cancer and the autoimmune disease Myasthenia Gravis. Three years ago, he revealed he had undergone surgery for eye cancer.
“The doctor told me I was a week to 10 days from having to go on full chemo,” he told People at the time. Following the surgery, Ford returned to the road and was able to treat the cancer spot with chemo drops. Last year, he released the album Must Be Country, which included collaborations with Gilbert, Tracy Lawrence, Tracy Byrd, Dillon Carmichael and more.
