Artist estate management company Artist Legacy Group (ALG) has been named the official representative for the estate of rap legend Earl Simmons, better known by his stage name DMX.
The announcement was made by ALG CEO Ashley Austin on Wednesday (May 29), marking a significant step in preserving and promoting the late rapper’s legacy.
DMX’s fiancée, Desiree Lindstrom, and daughter, Sasha Simmons, co-administrators of the estate, selected ALG for this partnership.
“A force of nature. That is how I would describe DMX,” Austin said in a statement.
“Rapper, poet, actor, preacher — the man’s talent was truly limitless. I am honored to work alongside Desiree and Sasha as we maximize the estate’s potential. Together, we will ensure that his message and music lives on.”
“I am honored to work alongside Desiree [Lindstrom] and Sasha [Simmons] as we maximize the estate’s potential. Together, we will ensure that his message and music lives on.”
Ashley Austin, Artist Legacy Group
Earl Simmons, born in 1970, was an American rap icon who rose to fame in the 1990s. He was celebrated for his raw and emotional delivery style, coupled with his “brutally honest” lyrics, said ALG.
His debut album, It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot (1998), propelled him to stardom. He is the only rapper to have five consecutive albums debut at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart, selling millions of records worldwide. An American Music Award and Billboard Music Award winner, DMX was a four-time Grammy Award nominee.
DMX’s music often explored themes of faith, redemption, and personal struggles, drawing inspiration from his own life experiences, ALG said.
Beyond music, DMX was an actor, starring in films like Belly (1998) and Romeo Must Die (2000). DMX died of a heart attack in April 2021 at the age of 50. Since DMX’s passing, there has been a surge of interest in the artist, said ALG. ALG says fans and music enthusiasts globally can expect new projects under the collaboration with DMX’s estate.
“Sasha and I are confident that ALG is the right team to partner with to honor Earl’s music and legacy. For my son and all of Earl’s children and fans, we will keep Earl’s spirit alive.”
Desiree Lindstrom, DMX’s fiancée
Commenting on the partnership with ALG, Lindstrom said: “Earl was devoted to his fans. He was grateful that they stayed by his side and walked with him through his ups and downs. Sasha and I are confident that ALG is the right team to partner with to honor Earl’s music and legacy. For my son and all of Earl’s children and fans, we will keep Earl’s spirit alive.”
Sasha Simmons added: “My father, Earl, was more than an icon; he was my inspiration and guiding light. His music touched countless lives, and his legacy will forever resonate in our hearts. With ALG by our side, Desiree and I are committed to preserving his spirit, ensuring that his art continues to inspire generations to come.”
Artist Legacy Group is led by its founder, Ashley Austin. The company, set up in 2013, seeks to preserve and honor the legacies of iconic artists. It oversees the licensing of names, likeness and other IP rights for film, TV, literary and documentary projects, brand collaborations and consumer products.
Other artists on ALG’s roster include Sam Cooke, The Blues Brothers, Iggy Pop, Ronnie Spector, Bootsy Collins, Mick Rock, McCoy Tyner, John Belushi, Bill Haley and Dean Martin.
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