DMX's family warns fans against scammers raising funds for his funeral, say they haven't authorized any merch
The family of DMX is urging fans not to be hoodwinked by people or organizations claiming to raise funds for his funeral.
The world-famous rapper, real name Earl Simmons, died on Friday, April 9, at age 50. The tragedy befell a week after he suffered a heart attack that left him on life support. His family spoke to TMZ in the aftermath of his death, saying any claims from people or online fundraisers that the family needs financial help to pay for his funeral are outright false.
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DMX's loved ones are aware that many scammers are soliciting money in his name, and are therefore urging fans to be wary of any merchandise that is being sold under the "authorization" of his family. The family confirmed to the outlet they weren't selling any DMX merchandise at this time and are not strapped for cash.
"One last wild theory that's been floating around -- you might've heard Jay-Z and Beyonce bought DMX's masters for a cool $10 mil with the idea of making sure his kids can reap the profits down the line. Yeah, the family's also setting that record straight, and ... it's BS," TMZ reported.
Hundreds of fans gathered outside the White Plains Hospital in New York, where he was being treated, in order to pay tribute to the tragic rap star. Meanwhile, several celebrities shared emotional posts honoring DMX on social media.
Fellow rapper and actor Eve, who featured on the Ruff Ryders label with DMX, shared a tribute on Instagram. “I know that you are in the place of peace you deserve,” she wrote. “I will be forever grateful to have known you. You were one of the most special people I have ever met. Full of humor, talent, wisdom and love, and most of all loyalty. This world has lost a real one but the heavens have gained an angel.”
The late singer Aaliyah's mother Diane Haughton has also shared a tribute reminiscing his "heart of gold."
“Earl, you had and still have a heart of gold,” Haughton wrote through her daughter's official Instagram page. “You and Baby Girl will meet again with all the beautiful people we have lost. Will never forget your kindness. NEVER! Blessing to your family! Eternally! – Aaliyah's Mom.”
MEAWW previously reported how DMX had blasted the recording industry while calling them out for the cuts it takes from its artists. “In music, the highest-paid artists get 18 cents off of a dollar and the record company still owns their product even though they paid for it,” DMX said at a press conference. “It’s like straight robbery. Straight robbery. They give you nothing," he added.
DMX, in his entire career, has released eight studio albums, five compilation albums, one mixtape, two EP's, and 46 singles. By 2004, five of his albums had hit airwaves but he wasn't seeing the benefits from it. He didn't mince words while calling out his then-label Def Jam, vowing never to work with them again. “I refuse to give another dime to that record label, to Def Jam,” DMX said at the time.