Kanye West is giving back to DMX’s family in a big way.
The Yeezy founder collaborated with Balenciaga to create a T-shirt in honor of the late rap icon, with net proceeds benefitting X’s family. The long-sleeve shirt features portrait of X on the front with his signature logo and “R.I.P” above written above. His birth date (12.18.1970) is featured on the right leave and date of death on the left (04.09.21). “In Loving Memory” is printed on the back of the black shirt.
The tribute tee went on sale Saturday for $200, the same day as DMX’s memorial service at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center. According to TMZ, the shirt raised a staggering $1 million and sold out within 24 hours.
Kanye not only designed the shirt, he was also heavily involved in X’s memorial. He helped design the stage along with renowned visual artist Akeem Smith, while his Sunday Service Choir performed while gathered around X’s coffin. Kanye kept a low profile at the ceremony, wearing a red hoodie and mask that covered his entire face.
DMX’s family and friends including his Ruff Ryders crew members Eve, Jadakiss, Styles P, Drag-On, and Swizz Beatz paid tribute to X during Saturday’s livestreamed service at Barclays, where Swizz Beatz also acknowledged Kanye’s contributions. “Thank you my brother Kanye for this amazing setup,” he said.
The following day, BET aired live coverage of DMX’s homegoing celebration, which featured touching tributes from X’s ex-wife Tashera Simmons and fiancé Desiree Lindstrom. Swizz, Lil’ Kim, and Alicia Keys were also in attendance.
In the wake of DMX’s passing, the New York State Senate has declared Dec. 18, X’s birthday, as Earl “DMX” Simmons Day. “In New York, we have our own hip-hop royalty,” said Senator Jamal Bailey. “He’s the Earl of Westchester County. He is DMX, he is one of the greatest hip-hop artists that we will ever know. Phenomenal actor, phenomenal for the culture. Someone who gave us so much in the hip-hop generation.”