Rapper Cardi B, who is a native of the Bronx in New York, was devastated after learning about the Bronx apartment building fire that killed 17 people including several children.
So she said she is planning to cover the funeral cost of all the victims who perished in the fire.
"I'm extremely proud to be from the Bronx and I have lots of family and friends who live and work there still." said the 29-year-old rapper in a statement to CNN.
"So, when I heard about the fire and all of the victims, I knew I needed to do something to help."
"I cannot begin to imagine the pain and anguish that the families of the victims are experiencing, but I hope that not having to worry about the costs associated with burying their loved ones will help as they move forward and heal. I send my prayers and condolences to everyone affected by this horrific tragedy."
Depsite city officials previously announcing 19 deaths in the fire on January 9, Mayor Eric Adams announced the following day that 17 people–including eight children–had died.
New York City Fire Department Commissioner Daniel Nigro commented on the miscalculation, saying:
"Patients were taken to seven different hospitals. There was a bit of a double count. And I guess it's a bit of good news that the number isn't 19 but 17."
The source of the blazing high-rise was due to a malfunctioning space heater that sparked inside a two-story apartment unit encompassing the second and third floors of the building.
The occupants of the unit fled the building, but the self-closing door failed to shut automatically and remained open, according to the Commissioner.
He added that while the fire was contained in the hallway just outside the apartment, the 19-story building was filled with smoke–which led to the injuries and fatalities.
It is considered to be the city's deadliest fire in 30 years.
According to Cardi B's rep, the "WAP" singer partnered with The Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City to ensure the families of the victims will be included in her donation and "that the final wishes for their loved ones were met."
Mayor Eric Adams said in a statement:
"We are grateful for Cardi B, a real superstar on and off the mic, for granting some critical financial relief to families of the victims."
"The city will be forever thankful to her and also to the grassroots donors and corporate partners who have been able to offer immediate support for our neighbors in need, to reestablish themselves during this difficult time."
Meanwhile, the city was criticized for not stepping up.
Tenants and the victims' families have filed a class-action lawsuit against the current and previous owners of the building and are seeking $2 billion in damages.
They alleged the defendants were negligent on a number of fronts–including failing to ensure smoke detectors were working and for not providing intercom and sprinkler systems.
Cardi B joins American rapper Fat Joe, who is also from the Bronx and contributed to the The Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City.
In addition to providing a link to the fund's website, Fat Joe announced fellow artists JAY-Z and DJ Khaled have also made donations.
