The family of late rap icon, Earl Simmons, popularly called DMX, has urged his fans to beware of an ongoing scam by fraudsters claiming to be raising funds for the rapper’s funeral.
WuzupNigeria had reported that the Ruff Ryders crooner died on Friday (9 April) aged 50, a week after he suffered a heart attack that left him on life support.
Family members told TMZ Monday they do not need to raise funds to pay for his funeral. They have also warned fans that any DMX merchandise being sold now is not family-approved. A viral tweet claiming Jay-Z and Beyoncé were teaming up to buy DMX’s masters to give them to his children is also false.
As reported by Complex, Simmons’ family wrote in a statement, “There have been a few rumours following our loved one, Earl Simmons’ passing that we’d like to clear up. No one has bought Earl’s masters.”
TMZ’s sources also said that any merchandise, like T-shirts, that are hitting the market now are not authentic and none of the profits are going to the family.
TMZ also debunked a viral tweet that claimed Jay-Z and Beyoncé were spending $10 million to buy back DMX’s masters to give to his children. Although the tweet was published by an unreliable source.
“If anyone is requesting for money for his funeral please be aware the person is a scammer. We will keep the public posted on funeral/memorial service arrangements,” the statement by Complex added.
The family has not announced plans for a public memorial yet, but Yonkers, New York Mayor Mike Spano told TMZ the Yonkers Raceway would be available if the family wants to host an event in DMX’s hometown.
