DMX’s Family Feuds Over His Estate

DMX’s family has gone from grieving to beefing.

According to reports a battle is brewing over what the late rapper left behind. At the time of his sudden death in April, the rapper real name Earl Simmons, had been engaged to Desiree Lindstrom since 2019. She is the mother of his 5-year-old son Exodus.

According to Page Six, she recently applied to be legally declared DMX’s common-law wife. A judge denied the request, which might have secured her more control over the rapper’s assets and future earnings than his 15 children. Five of his adult children were already fighting amongst themselves in court since May, just a few weeks after the funeral.

DMX did not have a written will or established estate. His daughters Sasha Simmons and Jada Oden petitioned the court to become administrators of his estate. Shortly after that his sons Xavier, Tacoma, and Sean Simmons petitioned the court separately to be the estate administrators instead. Despite the Ruff Ryders rapper’s incredible career including 20 movies and more than 74 million records sold, the sons’ filing estimates the estate is worth less than $1 million and the daughters estimated less than $50,000.

In addition to financial struggles from decades of drug addiction and supporting 15 children in 9 households, the IRS reportedly imposed a tax lien on DMX for $663,554.55 and in 2018 he was convicted for $1.7 million of tax fraud.

Millions of mourning fans streaming classic DMX albums and the new posthumously released album Exodus may provide a much-needed financial boost as the legal fight continues. A judge will review the rivaling petitions and determine the estate administrators on July 15.

Meanwhile BET announced that the beloved rapper will be honored with a special tribute at the 2021 “BET AWARDS.” The tribute is being curated by producer Swizz Beatz, who had a longstanding friendship with the late musician, and will include standout performances from Busta Rhymes, Method Man, Swizz Beatz, Griselda, and a special appearance by Michael K. Williams.