State Champ Radio DMX
When DMX was laid to rest in June of 2021 it was said that Def Jam covered the cost of the $35,000 funeral. But recently X’s former manager and uncle, Ray Copeland said that it was he and others who came up with the bread to give DMX a proper sendoff as record labels and other industry heads refused to help with the costs.
Now longtime record exec, Steve Rifkind is pushing back against Copeland’s claim saying Swizz Beatz and Def Jam actually covered the costs of DMX’s funeral.
According to Allhiphop, Rifkind took to social media days after DMX’s uncle claimed that it fell upon himself and others to pony up the money for X’s funeral and rebutted the claim. Taking to Instagram to give his side of the story, Rifkind (who was X’s manager at the time) explained that he was there “every step of the way” of the process and stated that “Swizz Beatz paid for 80% of the funeral. Def Jam paid for the funeral.” Rifkind also revealed that a third person helped with the expenses but that he wanted to remain anonymous because “he didn’t want any press on what he did.”
Obama, maybe? Just sayin’.
Rifkind also revealed that to this day, Swizz Beatz helps DMX’s family “on certain things.”
As to why X’s uncle would make such a claim when these things can be proved in some way, shape or form is anyone’s guess but the man is claiming that Def Jam only gave them $35,000 for the funeral while he, business associate Germaine Miller, and attorney Ron Sweeney personally covered the $150,000 cost of DMX’s funeral.
Copeland also gave credit to pre-Nazi Kanye West whom he said “took care of everything at the Barclays Center.”
What do y’all think about this situation? Who do y’all believe? Let us know in the comments section below.
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Photo: Julia Beverly / Getty
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Source: Julia Beverly / Getty
Ja Rule recently chopped it up on HipHopWired’s ‘I Got Questions’ with Juvenile, and he gave a real shoutout to DMX’s crazy stage presence. The NYC rapper said, “The Dog had a different emotional connection to his audience,” and it’s clear DMX wasn’t just performing — he was living every moment with his fans.
His energy was unmatched. When X hit the stage, it wasn’t just about rapping; it was about making you feel every word, every verse, every bar. DMX had the power to make you connect with him on a whole different level. It wasn’t just entertainment; it was an experience. DMX’s impact on hip-hop is legendary. From the rough and rugged sound of tracks like *“Ruff Ryders’ Anthem”* to the club banger ‘Party Up (Up In Here),’ X changed the game with his gritty delivery, raw emotion, and realness. He wasn’t just another rapper — he was a voice for the underdog, speaking to the struggle, the pain, and the triumphs.
DMX’s music was more than just fire bars; it was a reflection of the real-life many were living. Ja Rule’s tribute shows that DMX wasn’t just a rapper; he was a force in the culture. His connection to the people, his authenticity, and his ability to move crowds set him apart as one of the most influential figures in hip-hop. Even after his passing, his legacy still reigns, and his impact continues to inspire the game.
Check out HipHopWired’s latest episode of ‘I Got Questions’ featuring Juvenile & Ja Rule:
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It seems Irv Gotti does not have the green light to produce a documentary on DMX. The rapper’s family has denied working with the mogul on any upcoming content.
As reported by Hypebeast, the late great MC’s estate has made it clear that they are not in business with the Murder Inc. Records founder to create a project based on Darkman X. His ex-wife Tashera Simmons took to Instagram to make a formal statement on the matter. “In light of the recent speculation, we want to clarify that we are not currently working with Irv Gotti, nor have we agreed to partner with him on any content related to Earl Simmons, including a biopic,” she wrote.
She went on to add that they will be very thoughtful and intentional on how they bring his story to life. “Earl Simmons, known professionally as DMX, is an iconic figure in the music industry whose life and story hold significant importance. As we move forward with any potential projects related to his legacy, we are committed to ensuring that they are handled with the utmost respect and integrity,” she added.
“We appreciate the support and interest from fans and the public regarding Earl Simmons’ story. Any official announcements regarding future projects will be communicated through our official channels.”
Last week, Irv Gotti confirmed that he had a “minor” stroke back in February. “Irv has been struggling with diabetes for years, which caused him to have a minor stroke over six months ago,” his representative said in an exclusive statement to the Shade Room. “He has since changed his diet to eating more healthy. He’s been successful in making a full recovery. Irv is not in a rehab facility. He is at home with his family, enjoying life.” In that same report the celebrity news site reported that Gotti revealed he was working on the DMX biopic. He has yet to formally respond to Tashera Simmons’ statement.
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Jermaine Dupri has seen plenty in his still-ongoing career as a performer, producer, and music executive, and he’s celebrating the 30th anniversary of his iconic label, So So Def Records, this year. During a recent Instagram post dedicated to the anniversary, Jermaine Dupri shared a story of DMX robbing a music reporter with his dogs during the recording of Dupri’s debut studio album.
In a series titled “30th Anniversary Stories,” Jermaine Dupri is sharing some of the career highlights he’s accumulated over the years in his various roles along with his unique insider perspective in some of the biggest moments in the culture.
While recording his 1998 studio debut album Life in 1472, Dupri spoke about a visit he made to New York during the session recordings for the project and decided to hire a music reporter to capture the experience. Dupri couldn’t quite recall if the reporter worked for The Source but did send them to the recording studio where they encountered DMX.
Dupri goes on to say that DMX grilled the reporter then robbed them of their belongings via dog point, no guns or other weapons were involved. It isn’t known if the reporter recovered their goods or if Dupri did some damage control but the memory of the moment had the veteran exec chuckling.
Check out Jermaine Dupri and his wild DMX story in the Instagram video below.
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Photo: Getty
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On Tuesday, Ruff Ryders announced they would honor DMX’s legacy with a special “Ryde Out” event celebrating the second anniversary of his death. Slated for April 9 in New York City, the label will gather friends, family and fans “for a day full of food, fun, games and music.”
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DMX was the go-to star for the revered East Coast label after a seismic debut in 1998. It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot and 1999’s Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood helped X earn hip-hop supremacy as he notched two Billboard 200 No. 1 albums within a one-year period. Later on in his decorated career, X netted three more chart-topping albums. After he died in 2021 from a heart attack at age 50, he earned a top 10 release with this posthumous effort EXODUS. The album debuted at No. 8 on the Billboard 200, and its standout collaboration “Bath Salts,” featuring Jay-Z and Nas, secured a Grammy nomination the following year for best rap song.
“He made music with raw passion,” recalled X’s Ruff Ryders cohort Swizz Beatz during the 2021 Billboard Music Awards. “He spoke to the streets, he spoke to the world, [and] he prayed for others before he could pray for himself. He loved others before he would love himself. His music is iconic magic to the world. Following Tupac, he is the second rapper to have two No. 1 albums in one year. His legacy will forever be remembered.”
Last month, Swizz Beatz connected with Lil Wayne for “Kan’t Nobody,” posthumously featuring DMX. See the Ruff Ryders’ post for their “Ryde Out” event below.
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