DMX Funeral: How much did it cost and here's why Def Jam paid for it
Earl Simmons, professionally known as DMX died on April 9, 2021, aged 50. His funeral was a massive celebration of his life attended by his fans, friends, and industry peers which took place over a period of two days. It began on April 25, 2021, at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York where the 'DMX: Celebration of Life Memorial' event was held.
Nas and Swizz Beatz spoke at the event, DMX's daughter rapped in the honor of her father, and DMX and Busta Rhymes were some of the biggest names that were in attendance along with Lil Kim and Alicia Keys at Barclays on Day 1. Kanye West along with the Sunday Service choir paid a musical tribute to the rapper on the day. Day 2 was more of a somber affair where DMX's family and some of his closest friends gathered at an unnamed church in New York. At the time no one knew who funded these events but DMX's family made it clear that they didn't ask for funds from the public and whoever was still asking to donate for the cause on their behalf was a scammer. News about who bore the expenses of the funeral is out, two months after his death.
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How much did DMX's funeral cost?
The late rapper's label Def Jam had covered the costs for his funeral. According to his probate documents that were obtained by TMZ, Def Jam Recording settled the bill that was sent to X's family by Brooks Memorial Home Inc. in Yonkers. The receipt dated May 5, 2021, covered the services of Earl Simmons. The document details all the costs including the transfer of remains to the funeral home, embalming as well as the hearse and flowers. The customized red casket cost $7,450 and the total bill that the label received was $35,228.13.
The monster truck that transported X's casket to Barclays was one of the highlights of the ceremony. The documents don't mention who picked up the tab for that one. It was a customized Ford F250 that is estimated at around $70,000 and could go up to $175,000, according to a report. The shiny red casket was strapped to the truck with "Long Live DMX" emblazoned to its side and "DMX" etched on its center caps. The truck had "J&B" Motorsports written on its rear and was one of the most talked-about topics on the Internet at the time.
Why did Def Jam pay for DMX's funeral?
Def Jam first signed with DMX in the late '90s and released his debut album in 1998 called 'It's Dark and Hell is Hot'. It went on to become one of the top-selling albums, making him one of the top-selling artists, a streak that continued till the early 2000s. He had released five more albums with the label during the time including 'Flesh of My Flesh', 'Blood of My Blood', and '...And Then There Was X'. His album 'Grand Champ' was his final one with the label and it came out in 2003. He returned to the label in 2019 with a new deal.
This was confirmed by Swizz Beats in an interview with Power 105.1's 'The Breakfast Club' where the producer said he felt the new deal would help bring X back to prominence. "It's going to be a good year for him, god willing," Swizz said. "I just want it to happen so he can go to where he been supposed to have went," he added. Fast forward to 2021, DMX had overdosed and was in the hospital fighting for his life. While fans around the world prayed for him to survive, Def Jam released two compilation albums by the 'X Gon' Give It To Ya' hitmaker.
Titled 'Ruff Ryder' and 'A Dog's Prayer'- the albums featured some of the biggest hits by X including 'Party Up' and 'Ruff Ryders' Anthem' along with other tracks he had released throughout his career. This was perceived by some as a money-grabbing move and the label faced a lot of backlash for the same. Fans ripped the label apart saying they were trying to capitalize on the rapper's situation. "Now y'all trying to make money off of him now that he's gone.. screw y'all," said a tweet. "DMX isn't even dead and def jam is already trying to profit..." another tweet read. "F**K Def Jam for releasing compilation albums & singles the day DMX passes away to profit off his passing..." another fan tweet read.
Now y'all trying to make money off of him now that he's gone.. screw y'all
— Chatwithdree (@chatwithdree) April 11, 2021
FUCK Def Jam for releasing compilation albums & singles the day DMX passes away to profit off his passing...
— the polygon don (@AndreJeanson96) April 9, 2021
While it isn't yet clear why the label took care of the expenses of X's funeral, it seems like they tried to pay it back for all the good times and the commercial success. Let us know in the comments what you think about this move by Def Jam in honor of their once best-selling artists.