DMX’s family is setting the record straight after a number of rumors began circulating following the rapper’s death last Friday.
The family of the late musician, whose real name was Earl Simmons, released a statement on Monday warning fans not to believe scammers who claim they’re raising money for his memorial service. “There have been a few rumors following our loved one, Earl Simmons’s passing that we’d like to clear up,” they wrote. “We are not selling any merch or raising money for Earl’s funeral. If anyone is requesting for money for his funeral please be aware the person is a scammer.” They added, “We will keep the public posted on funeral/memorial service arrangements.” Simmons’s family also cleared up rumors claiming that Beyoncé and Jay Z had purchased the rapper’s entire collection of masters for $10 million, stating definitively, “No one has bought Earl’s masters.”
DMX passed away last Friday at 50 years old after being hospitalized in White Plains, New York a week earlier. The multi-platinum artist’s ex-manager told media outlets following his hospitalization that the rapper was in a “vegetative state” after having a heart attack at home—the result of a reported drug overdose. Following his passing, his family released a statement to the press that read, “We are deeply saddened to announce today that our loved one, DMX, birth name of Earl Simmons, passed away at 50-years-old at White Plains Hospital with his family by his side after being placed on life support for the past few days. Earl was a warrior who fought till the very end. He loved his family with all of his heart and we cherish the times we spent with him. Earl’s music inspired countless fans across the world and his iconic legacy will live on forever. We appreciate all of the love and support during this incredibly difficult time.”
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