DMX Estate Condemns Unauthorized Auction of Personal Memorabilia, Threatens Legal Action
The estate of late rap legend DMX is speaking out forcefully against an online auction featuring over 30 pieces of his personal memorabilia. The collection—currently live on auction house GottaHaveRockandRoll’s platform—includes handwritten lyrics, unreleased music, rare performance footage, and even cassette tapes of early freestyles and diss tracks, some of which are expected to fetch up to $10,000 each.
While the offerings may appeal to collectors and hip-hop enthusiasts, DMX’s estate has made it clear that the sale is unauthorized and potentially illegal.
“We were surprised and disappointed to learn of this auction, which is not authorized and was not cleared by the Estate of Earl ‘DMX’ Simmons,” the estate told TMZ. “The Estate holds rights in the recordings and written materials being offered for sale — including significant intellectual property rights — all of which we will fiercely protect.”
The estate added, “We consider this a violation of the Estate’s rights and will be pursuing appropriate action.”
The auction, which reportedly includes items spanning DMX’s early career through his later years, did not originate from a family member. Instead, Dylan Kosinski, president of GottaHaveRockandRoll, told TMZ the seller is one of DMX’s early associates in the music industry. However, the estate disputes this individual’s right to profit from the rapper’s legacy.
DMX’s ex-wife, Tashera Simmons, echoed the estate’s disapproval and emphasized that any proceeds from the rapper’s personal belongings should directly benefit his family—particularly his children.
“The seller is not a family member to our knowledge,” Simmons said. “The auction is disheartening and insensitive as these precious items should go to Earl’s children. These are Earl’s memories. His children should benefit, not outsiders.”
The controversy has stirred emotion among fans and supporters of the late artist, who passed away in 2021 at the age of 50 following a drug-induced heart attack. At the time of his death, DMX left behind 15 children and his fiancée, Desiree Lindstrom.
Since his passing, DMX’s estate has worked to preserve his legacy with respect and care, overseeing posthumous releases and managing his remaining intellectual property. The current situation underscores the ongoing challenges many artist estates face in protecting their loved one’s legacy from exploitation.
The auction remains active for now, but legal action could soon halt the sale altogether. In the meantime, the estate’s firm stance is clear: DMX’s legacy belongs to his family—and no one else.
