Tag: DMX

  • DMX’s Ex-Wife Tashera Simmons on Trauma and Love

    It’s a tough lesson many learn the hard way: you can’t save someone else if you’re not saving yourself first. Tashera Simmons, the ex-wife of the late rapper DMX, is sharing her profound insights from a 15-year marriage that was deeply impacted by addiction, infidelity, and unresolved childhood trauma on both sides. She recently sat down with Angie Martinez on the “IRL” podcast to discuss her journey, which is also the focus of her new documentary, “X vs. Earl: The Simmons Family Speaks.”

    A Love Story Marred by Pain

    Simmons described the love between her and DMX, whose real name was Earl Simmons, as “pure” and “unique.” However, their relationship was also shadowed by the darker realities of his struggles with drug use and infidelity. Crucially, neither of them had healed from the childhood traumas that shaped their lives, adding another layer of complexity to their marriage.

    She believes Earl passed away with a heavy heart, feeling misunderstood. “I feel like Earl died very unhappy with a broken heart. Misunderstood,” Simmons shared, reflecting on the pain that lingered for both of them throughout their marriage, which lasted from 1999 to 2014.

    Filling the Void: Earl Became Everything

    Simmons revealed that she and Earl met as teenagers, both coming from difficult backgrounds where they felt abandoned. Her mother left her at 14, and her father was verbally abusive. Because of this, Earl became her entire world, filling multiple roles: “husband, boyfriend, best friend, God. Protector.”

    This intense, all-encompassing connection, which she described as a “project to get away from Tashera,” is what kept her in the marriage for so long. Even when faced with significant betrayals, her instinct was to try and fix things. “I wanted to save Earl,” she admitted. “I saw the road that Earl was going down.”

    The Hard Truth: You Can’t Save Someone Else

    Looking back, Simmons recognizes how unhealthy the situation became, especially with Earl stepping outside the marriage and creating other families. She credits a higher power for ultimately removing her from the relationship, stating, “Had God not stripped me from that relationship, that marriage, I’d have probably been in a Looney Tune home.” Now, she’s unafraid to speak her truth, emphasizing the importance of not bottling up emotions or pretending everything is fine.

    When asked for advice for young women in similar situations, Simmons’ message is clear and direct: walk away. “You cannot fix nobody,” she stated firmly. “There is nothing that you can do for someone who has been broken, who’s bitter, who doesn’t have the right perspective for their self, there’s no saving. There’s no saving them.”

    Tashera Simmons’ story is a powerful reminder about self-preservation and the complexities of love and trauma. What are your thoughts on her journey and advice? Share your perspective in the comments below!

  • Supreme x Fox Racing Honors DMX

    Get ready, streetwear and hip-hop fans! Supreme and Fox Racing have joined forces once again for their Fall 2025 collection, and this time, it’s a powerful tribute to the one and only DMX. This highly anticipated 13-piece lineup masterfully blends high-performance motocross gear with Supreme’s iconic streetwear aesthetic, all while celebrating the legacy of the late rap legend.

    A Nod to DMX’s Iconic Style

    At the heart of this collection is the DMX Racing Jersey, available in striking gray, black, and red. This piece is a direct callback to the famous “All Eyes on Fox” design that DMX rocked during his Ruff Ryders era. It perfectly captures the raw energy of early 2000s hip-hop and seamlessly integrates it into today’s fashion landscape.

    The tribute doesn’t stop there. The collection also features a Raceframe Impact Chest Guard, a V1 Helmet, and Bomber Gloves, all decked out in a cool gray camouflage pattern with bold red, white, and black accents. These pieces are a clear nod to DMX’s unforgettable style and his connection with the Fox brand.

    Beyond the Tribute: Performance and Nostalgia

    While the DMX homage is central, the collection also delivers on functional, cold-weather wear. You’ll find eye-catching glossy Down Puffer Jackets in red/white and black, a durable Cordura hooded denim jacket, and stylish oversized jeans. The colorblocked tracksuits are perfect for making a statement, whether you’re hitting the streets or the track.

    Adding another layer of cool, a long-sleeve tee features a dynamic wheelie shot captured by punk photographer Ben Trogdon. These images perfectly encapsulate the collection’s unique blend of serious performance gear and cherished nostalgia, showcasing how timeless icons like DMX continue to shape culture.

    A Fusion of Cultures

    Supreme and Fox Racing have once again proven their mastery at merging motocross heritage with compelling streetwear narratives. This collaboration is a testament to the enduring influence of hip-hop legends on broader culture, presented with Supreme’s signature flair. It’s a celebration of the crossover between music legacy and racing culture.

    The collection dropped today on Supreme.com and in their physical stores, with a special release in Japan scheduled for October 25th. Don’t miss out on this chance to own a piece of fashion history that honors a true icon.

    What do you think of the Supreme x Fox Racing DMX collection? Let us know your favorite piece in the comments below!

  • DMX’s Uncle: Friends Didn’t Pay Funeral Costs

    It’s been revealed that following the tragic passing of DMX in April 2021, many of the rapper’s supposed friends and associates, including major labels, did not contribute to covering his funeral expenses. DMX’s uncle, Ray Copeland, widely known as Uncle Ray, recently shared details about the financial struggles involved in organizing the beloved artist’s homegoing service.

    A Disappointing Lack of Support

    In an exclusive interview with AllHipHop, Uncle Ray expressed his disappointment, stating, ‘Everybody put out statements, hashtags, and tributes. But when it came time to actually do something… silence.’ He recounted reaching out to various figures and entities, including Ruff Ryders, Swizz Beatz, Steve Rifkind, and Def Jam, to discuss the costs associated with the funeral.

    According to Uncle Ray, the response he received was consistently negative. ‘I told them what it was going to cost. Everybody said, ‘I ain’t got it.’ So I hung up the phone and said, ‘Forget it. I’ll put this together myself.’’

    Securing the Funds for the Service

    The funeral, held at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, was a significant event that allowed the public to pay their respects. Uncle Ray credited business associate Germaine Miller and attorney Ron Sweeney for ultimately providing the necessary funds. Miller reportedly put up the entire $150,000 needed for the service.

    While Def Jam later provided $35,000, Uncle Ray noted that the label inaccurately claimed to have paid for the entire funeral. He also mentioned that Ye (formerly Kanye West) covered the expenses for the Barclays Center venue itself. Initially, Uncle Ray had considered a more private funeral, but family members urged him to allow the public a chance to say goodbye.

    Reflections on Loyalty and Legacy

    Uncle Ray’s account highlights a stark contrast between the public outpouring of love and tributes for DMX and the private financial support that was lacking. His words serve as a somber reminder of the importance of tangible support, especially during times of loss, and raise questions about loyalty within the music industry.

    What are your thoughts on the revelations about DMX’s funeral costs? Does this change your perception of some of the figures in the hip-hop community? Share your opinions in the comments below!

  • DMX’s Uncle Claims Ruff Ryders Didn’t Fund Funeral

    Ray Copeland, the former manager and uncle of the late DMX, has spoken out about the alleged lack of financial support he received from various music industry figures while organizing the rapper’s funeral. In an exclusive interview with AllHipHop, Copeland detailed his experience reaching out to collaborators and associates, specifically calling out Swizz Beatz and Ruff Ryders.

    Allegations Against Swizz Beatz and Ruff Ryders

    Copeland stated, “When it was time to bury X, I was on the phone with everybody, Ruff Ryders, Swizz Beatz, Steve Rifkind, Def Jam. I told them what it was going to cost. Everybody said, ‘I ain’t got it.’ So I hung up the phone and said, ‘Forget it. I’ll put this together myself.’” Despite these initial rejections, Copeland managed to raise $150,000 for the funeral and memorial service held at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, with significant help from Germaine Miller and attorney Ron Sweeney.

    Copeland expressed gratitude towards Miller, who “put all the money up for the funeral – all $150,000.” He also credited Kanye West for covering “everything at the Barclays Center.” While Def Jam Records, DMX’s label at the time of his death, eventually donated $35,000, Copeland alleges the label misrepresented the gesture by claiming they paid for the entire funeral, which he states is untrue.

    Frustration Over Lack of Industry Support

    Copeland lamented the perceived lack of support from those who benefited financially from DMX’s success. “This man made us all millionaires,” he said, expressing frustration that he had to “fight to put this together with my family.” He considered holding a smaller, private service but was persuaded by family members that the public deserved a chance to say goodbye.

    Copeland noted that while many offered public praise, hashtags, and tributes online, there was silence when it came to actual financial support. He recalled DMX’s own wariness of the music industry, quoting the rapper: “He always said, ‘I ain’t got no friends in the industry.’ And he was right. When he passed, it showed.”

    What are your thoughts on the alleged lack of support for DMX’s funeral from some in the music industry? Share your perspective in the comments below.