The city helped shape one of hip-hop’s most influential artists and etched his name on the streets where he began to rise to fame. The scene, which at times bordered on chaos as part of the ceremony, was located next to the Rose F. Carcagno House at School and Brook streets.
Hundreds gathered in Yonkers on June 12 as officials, family, friends and longtime collaborators celebrated the unveiling of Earl DMX Simmons Way, a permanent memorial to the late rap icon in the community that gave birth to him. DMX’s mother was there.
The street renaming ceremony transforms a section of School Street into a permanent tribute to the rapper, actor and street legend whose influence extends far beyond the city limits of his native country. Many highlight his humanitarian giving and impact beyond controversial headlines.
The most exciting moments came from DMX’s family and Ruff Ryders.
Desiree Lindstrom, DMX’s fiancée and mother of son Exodus Simmons, thanked city officials and supporters for ensuring Earl Simmons received the recognition he deserved.
“His talents took him around the world, but he never forgot where he came from,” Lindstrom said. “Today, his city is returning that love.”
DMX’s daughter Sasha Simmons, who serves as co-conservator of DMX’s estate with Lindstrom, spoke about the responsibility of protecting her father’s legacy.
“His music gave people hope. His honesty made people feel seen,” she said. “Today is not just about celebrating a hip-hop legend. It’s about honoring a hometown hero who showed us that strength and vulnerability can coexist.”
Speeches were also delivered at the ceremony. – and sometimes it’s funny – from Ruff Ryders founders Waah and Dee Dean, who helped guide DMX’s rise from Yonkers street fighting to global superstardom. There were many crew members on site.
Wach said the name change was more than just a ceremonial gesture, as is common these days.
“Today is more than just street naming,” he said. “Today is a celebration of a son of Yonkers whose voice, spirit and legacy continue to inspire people around the world.”
Dee Dean gives us a glimpse into DMX’s relentless work ethic and shares the rapper’s insightful story of recording multiple songs while enduring the pain of a hernia.
“He was in the stall, collapsed on the floor in pain,” Dee recalled. “But he stood up and finished all seven songs because that’s what he loved about music.”
The Ruff Ryders co-founder also recalled his first encounter with DMX outside 80 School Street, where the future superstar has already garnered attention through his lyrical abilities and larger-than-life presence.
According to Waah, DMX once told him that he was “a prophet with a message to the world.”
Throughout the event, other speakers repeatedly emphasized that DMX is more than just a multi-platinum artist. He never lost touch with his roots.
New York State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, the first African American to hold the position, reflected on her personal experience with DMX. She recalls fondly and honestly a man whose public persona in the headlines belied a deeply caring and vulnerable spirit.
“I saw in him a love for the community, for kids like him,” she told the media. “He’s always looking. He’s looking for a better life. He’s looking for better answers. He’s looking for a better reality.”
Stewart-Cousins also acknowledged the struggles DMX faced throughout his life, noting that his honesty about pain, addiction, and redemption became part of his lasting appeal.
“We all struggle with light and dark, good and bad,” she said. “DMX, both in his life and in his death, maximized his moments.”
Yonkers native and Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins highlighted DMX’s historic achievements, including becoming the first rapper to have five consecutive No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200 chart.
“DMX grew up on School Street and became one of the most successful and influential hip-hop artists of his generation, while always staying connected to the community,” Jenkins said.
He also recalled DMX’s triumphant return to Westchester County Center in 2016 for the venue’s first major rap concert, calling the show a homecoming for a hometown hero.
The legislation behind the street renaming was spearheaded by Yonkers City Councilwoman Tasha Diaz, who proudly described the naming as a symbol of hope for future generations.
“DMX put Yonkers and School Street on the map,” Diaz said. “He gave an often overlooked community hope that they could achieve any goal despite obstacles.”
Diaz said she hopes the site becomes a place of inspiration for visitors and residents alike.
“Let the renaming of this street be a place to remember to never give up,” she said.
This message ultimately became a message of resilience, truth and faith for many who knew him.
The ceremony ended with a powerful blessing from Bishop Alicia Collins, who revealed that DMX had shared plans for a ministry called “House of the Sufferers.”
She described hearing unreleased Christian music from rappers and spoke about the spiritual side of a man whose public image often overshadowed his faith.
“He was not loved for being perfect,” Collins said. “He was loved because he was real.”
She added that DMX’s life is proof that “brokenness does not prevent greatness” and that “faith can coexist through life’s fiercest battles.”
When the new sign was unveiled, the crowd erupted in cheers, celebrating not just the rap legend but a hometown hero whose influence continues to resonate years after his death.
Now, anyone passing by School Street will see a permanent reminder that one of the most memorable voices in hip-hop hails from Yonkers, and Earl Simmons’ story is forever woven into the city’s history.
Below is a photo of AllHipHop CEO Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur
