Judge Rules Against Tashera Simmons in Bid for DMX’s Music Catalog

A New York judge has shut down Tashera Simmons’ attempt to claim half of DMX’s music catalog and intellectual property. The late rapper’s ex-wife filed a lawsuit last year citing their 2016 divorce settlement, hoping to secure 50% ownership. But according to Judge David F. Everett, the agreement doesn’t give her any rights to his music or brand.

In the ruling, Everett stated clearly that “the estate is the sole owner of all intellectual property rights” that DMX, born Earl Simmons, held during their marriage and up to his passing in 2021. While the divorce documents did mention “intellectual property,” the court sided with the estate’s interpretation—that it only referred to royalty payments, not full ownership.

“The court will not, in effect, reopen those proceedings to reinterpret the parties’ 2016 settlement agreement, particularly where the party best positioned to contest a contrary interpretation is now deceased,” Everett wrote.

DMX and Tashera Simmons were married for 16 years and shared four children: Xavier, Tacoma, Sean, and Praise Mary Ella. Their relationship spanned some of the rapper’s most successful years, including the release of iconic tracks like “Ruff Ryders’ Anthem” and “Party Up (Up In Here).” They began the divorce process in 2013, finalizing it in 2016.

Despite losing the catalog battle, Tashera scored a small win in court this week. The judge refused to dismiss her claim that DMX owed her $214,000 in unpaid child support, calling any dismissal at this stage “premature.”

This legal drama surfaces nearly four years after DMX’s death, reminding fans and family alike of the complex legacy he left behind—musically, legally, and personally.