This blog, as a rule of thumb, generally doesn’t like the idea of gloating over someone’s misfortune. But in Derrick May’s case, I’m more than happy to make an exception. 2021 wasn’t a good year for him – as the world started opening up again, May found himself increasingly ostracised within the dance music scene.

Bookings have been extremely thin on the ground – which is bad news for a man who a source in Detroit describes as “having very expensive tastes, cigars included”. And with 2021 having been terrible for him financially, surely things can’t possibly get any worse for him?

Wrong, I’m afraid. Amateur’s House can reveal May is currently being sued in the courts due to allegedly falling behind on child support payments. He has a teenage daughter – whose name I won’t be publishing here – and it’s understood May normally provides around $4000 in support every month.

That adds up to $48,000 per year – which would take him at least five gigs to earn, if his manager’s claims about his pay are accurate. I also understand from three different sources that May is considering selling his current house in Farmington Hills, which he purchased back in 2004.

Estimates naturally vary, but the property – with three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a large swimming pool in the back – would likely sell for between $380,000 and $400,000 at today’s prices. The lower figure would provide enough money for just under eight years of child support payments.

I’d wish May a happy new year, but it clearly isn’t for him – and whether that changes remains to be seen…