KANYE WEST'S "BALENCIAGA" TRIBUTE TO DMX

HOW TO WRONGFULLY PROFIT OFF DEATH: KANYE WEST'S "BALENCIAGA" TRIBUTE TO DMX

On April 9th 2021 DMX, one of the most influential rappers in the USA, died at the age of 50. Mount Vernon born, he survived a troubled childhood marked with anger and crime until he started making his first steps in the underground New York music scene as a DJ and beatboxer initially, and freestyling later. After several collaborations he was signed to a label and recorded solo in the late 90's, gaining notoriety for his aggressive and deep voice that made his album "It's Dark and Hell Is Hot", produced by Swizz Beatz almost entirely, his most successful project. I will largely mention Swizz Beatz in this entry because he unfortunately took part in a "petty" marketing strategy set by mentally unstable Kanye West. DMX's death has obviously shaken his fans and family with sadness and disbelief; the rapper fell into a coma after a heart attack caused by a drug overdose. X struggled with addiction his whole life and this might explain his attachment, almost maniacal, to God. Following the funeral rite and a live social media memorial, some hip hop artists such as Busta Rhymes and the already mentioned Swizz Beatz started marketing a black long sleeve tee portraying DMX on the front, and his dates of birth and death along the sleeves. The creator and diabolical mind behind this campaign is rapper Kanye West who asked Balenciaga for a collaboration to honor his deceased colleague. This homage "only" cost $200 to those who would like to be part of the initiative, and only the net profits will be donated to Simmons' family. My questions are: who else will benefit from the sales? A portion will be placed in the already wealthy Balenciaga's pockets, but what about the rest? If this was really a selfless gesture to pay DMX and his family homage, why would they be entitled to the sales net amount only? And, mostly, why working with a white founded and owned business that never gave a fuck about DMX and his music? Why not working with a black owned brand instead of feeding people already rich from selling rubbish to the elite? X never felt represented by haute couture or certain style frivolity, but Kanye West and other celebrities do. Kanye West loves "stylish trends" and frivolity because he himself has only been a music trend gifted with a futile and giddy ego. Why certain people such as Swizz Beatz who personally knew and worked with DMX should advertise the product? The same Swizz Beatz being so proud, along with his wife Alicia Keys, of supporting black-owned businesses only by purchasing art from black artists? Are you only halfway coherent and only when convenient to your image? I'm tired of seeing all these celebrities selling their integrity to money, celebrities idolized by people so empty and inept to fall victim of the status symbol. I'm fucking pissed! Rest in peace Earl Simmons, and thank you all for your attention. Martina.