Steve Rifkind takes shots at Uncle Ray Copeland over DMX funeral claims, but will ‘Receipts’ follow?
There’s an old urban fable about writing checks…and cashing those checks…
Steve Rifkind and Uncle Ray Copeland were two men who were closely associated with the late, great DMX. They are now in the middle of a quiet but increasingly heated public standoff. Tensions began to rise after Rifkind called Uncle Ray a “liar” on Instagram during Copeland’s recent interview with AllHipHop, and then Rifkind opened up about his nephew’s death, his own management of DMX, and the expensive arrangements surrounding the rapper’s funeral. He seemed sincere and legitimate, but Steve made strong statements on IG.
Rifkind’s post was blunt. He questioned why Uncle Ray “came out” years later to talk about DMX’s final arrangement. It’s a fair question, but it’s not uncommon for family members and long-time colleagues to eventually tell the truth. In Uncle Ray’s case, however, things were different. He wasn’t just another person in the circle – he was blood. He was family, and he was DMX’s manager during the most critical years of his life and career.
So why now? Why is Uncle Ray speaking out in 2025 after years of silence? He claims he’s finally ready to talk about what really happened behind the scenes following DMX’s death. According to him, he had to organize a fundraiser to pay for DMX’s funeral – no small feat considering the total amount was around $150,000.
This is no ordinary send-off. DMX’s farewell was a grand one, a larger-than-life commemoration worthy of his legendary status in hip-hop. Kanye West reportedly paid for a memorial at Barclays Center — a move that even Uncle Ray admitted was unbelievable. “As much as Kanye upsets me,” he said, “I have to say it’s a great thing for him.”
But tensions rose when Uncle Ray claimed Swizz Beatz, Ruff Ryders and Def Jam didn’t initially help pay the bill. Def Jam ultimately donated $35,000, with the remainder coming from private donations, he said.
Rifkind doesn’t think so. The long-time music executive (hat tip to Loud Records) – who spent his last chapter running DMX – jumped online to flat-out call Uncle Ray a liar. He also specifically said that Swizz “covered 80% of the funeral expenses” and continues to support DMX’s family. The statement caused immediate confusion, as Uncle Ray has never denied Swayze’s continued support for the family. His comments touched on the logistics of the funeral planning process and the timing of who provides the funds.
Now, sources tell AllHipHop that the feud may not end quietly. “If he calls Uncle Ray a liar, that will lead to another layer of truth being told,” an insider said. And by “telling the truth,” they mean receipts. It is said that Rifkind may not have any, while Uncle Ray is said to have many.
Whether this situation will end or escalate remains to be seen. But one thing’s for sure: Uncle Ray’s interview wasn’t conducted haphazardly to attract attention. It’s emotional, raw and deeply personal. He cried openly. I feel it. He lost a nephew, a superstar and a friend all at once. He was left to help arrange a farewell ceremony for one of hip-hop’s most iconic, tortured souls.
It’s easy to get lost in the back and forth, but at the heart of it all is DMX – a man whose life, legacy and impact deserve peace. Those around him clearly still care about him, even if the truth is mixed with sadness and pride…
