Def Jam reportedly paid for the funeral of one of their most cherished signees: DMX. According to TMZ, the record label footed the $35,228.13. bill that Yonkers’ Brooks Memorial Home Inc. sent to X’s family. The funeral costs covered the transfer of remains to the funeral home, embalming, flowers and the rapper’s hearse. It is not clear whether the $7,450 customized red casket from the “Celebration of Life” service was included in the expenses.

After signing with Def Jam, DMX released his first five projects — It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot, Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood, … And Then There Was X, The Great Depression and Grand Champ on the label before announcing his plans to retire.

He subsequently dropped a few albums on Columbia Records, and in 2019, he reunited with Def Jam, under which his Exodus album was released in the wake of his death.

X reportedly suffered a heart attack that left him fighting for his life. He passed away on April 9 after staff at the White Plains Hospital were unable to revive him. Following his death, Def Jam issued a heartfelt statement about the Dark Man.

“Def Jam Recordings and the extended Def Jam family of artists, executives and employees are deeply and profoundly saddened by the loss of our brother Earl ‘DMX’ Simmons,” the statement read.

“DMX was a brilliant artist and an inspiration to millions around the world. His message of triumph over struggle, his search for the light out of darkness, his pursuit of truth and grace brought us closer to our own humanity. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and all those who loved him and were touched by him. DMX was nothing less than a giant. His legend will live on forever.”

Since X’s passing, his fiancée, Desiree Lindstrom, and Swizz Beatz have kept his name alive through their various social media posts. Eve also paid homage to the star during her Verzuz battle with Trina.