DMX's eldest sons to manage estate after 15th child emerges

Nine months after the passing of hip-hop icon DMX, the lengthy legal battle for the administration of the rapper's estate has come to an end (at least momentarily).

The New York native, whose real name is Earl Simmons, left no will when he passed away last April. The rapper was found dead after a heart attack brought on by a cocaine overdose.

Since his passing, deciding who ought to take control of the rapper's estate has been a complex affair. Simmons fathered 15 children from 9 different women - including a woman who came forward after his passing.

Complicating the matter further, DMX’s fiancée, Desiree Lindstrom, also petitioned to be an administrator of the estate. Lindstrom attempted to claim the status of ‘common-law wife’, though a judge denied the request.

The lengthy battle has seemingly come to an end as the rapper's three eldest sons have been confirmed as co-administrators.

“DMX’s ex-wife Tashera Simmons’ eldest sons - Xavier Simmons, Sean Simmons, and Tacoma Simmons - have been appointed temporary co-administrators of the estate of Earl ‘DMX’ Simmons pursuant to a decision of the Westchester County Surrogate’s Court today,” read a statement from a representative.

“They will now exclusively manage the affairs of their late father’s estate. The estate has retained entertainment attorney Ron Sweeney of Ron Sweeney and Company to exclusively handle all entertainment-related matters. Estate Attorney, Herb Nass is the attorney for the Earl ‘DMX’ Simmons estate and the sons as co-administrators.”

DMX's first posthumous album, Exodus was released in May - a month after the rapper's passing. It included appearances by Jay-Z, Nas, and Snoop Dogg and is the first album released by the rapper since 2012's Undisputed.

Listen to Exodus below: