Steve Rifkind denied claims that Def Jam and Swizz Beatz refused to pay for DMX’s funeral, saying they covered most of the costs.
Steve Rifkind is hitting back at recent claims surrounding DMX’s funeral expenses after the late rapper’s longtime manager and uncle, Ray Copeland, claimed he had to personally marshal funds because major artists and industry figures declined to contribute.
The music executive set the record straight on social media over the weekend, denying that Def Jam and Swizz Beatz refused to cover the expenses.
“I was there every step of the way,” Rifkind stated. “I was his manager at the time. So, for the record, Swizz paid 80% of the funeral. Def Jam paid for the funeral.”
According to Rifkind, a third person also contributed but wanted to remain anonymous. He added that Swizz Beatz continues to support DMX’s family but would never speak on it publicly.
“I knew he wasn’t going to say anything,” he added. “It needs to be said that he was there every step of the way and orchestrated the most beautiful funeral at Barclays.”
During an exclusive interview with AllHipHop, Copeland claimed that he contacted parties like Ruff Ryders, Swizz Beatz, Steve Rifkind, and Def Jam to ask for help, but was told they “didn’t have it.”
He claimed that although he did receive help later, it did not cover everything.
“Def Jam [later] gave me $35,000 — that’s it,” Copeland said. “They later told the media they paid for the funeral. That’s not true. Kanye West took care of everything at the Barclays Center.”
Copeland insisted that he, business associate Germaine Miller, and attorney Ron Sweeney personally covered the $150,000 cost of DMX’s funeral.
Addressing Copeland directly, Rifkind continued, “I don’t know why you’re saying something like this, but just tell the truth. Def Jam paid something, Swizz paid something, and the third person paid something.”
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