The Dog Lives Forever: Yonkers Honors DMX With Street Renaming Ceremony
Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano and the City of Yonkers honored the life and legacy of Yonkers native Earl “DMX” Simmons with the ceremonial renaming of the corner of School Street and Brook Street as “Earl ‘DMX’ Simmons Way,” Friday, June 12th. Mayor Spano was joined by NYS Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins, Yonkers Councilwoman Tasha Diaz, who has represented District 3, who sponsored and spearheaded the Street Renaming, and the rest of the Yonkers City Council, Desiree Lindstrom and Sasha Simmons, the DMX Estate co-administrators, and Darrin “Dee” & Joaquin “Waah” Dean, Ruff Ryders co-founders. City of Yonkers Deputy Director of Communications Lisa Reyes was the emcee of the presser.
“Today was a great day for the City of Yonkers, especially the School Street Community. With today’s street renaming, we were able to make sure DMX’s name is embedded into the fabric of Yonkers,” Councilwoman Diaz shared with Black Westchester.
“We are remembering our neighbor DMX, who never lost his connection to this community. Can’t say that about everybody else that’s come through here, but you can say that about Earl, right? Always found a way to come back home. In 2016, he returned home to host the first Hip-Hop concert in Westchester County, bringing people together through music and celebrating a culture that has shaped generations. I had the good fortune of knowing DMX when he was, like I said, when he came back here and he volunteered. That’s something that I’ll never forget…” Mayor Mike Spano shared with the crowd.
Throughout the ceremony, speakers reflected on X’s impact not only as an artist but as a father, friend, philanthropist, and man of faith. Known for his raw honesty and emotional vulnerability, DMX’s music resonated with fans who saw their own pain, challenges, and triumphs reflected in his lyrics. His influence extended far beyond Hip-Hop, touching people from all walks of life who connected with his message of perseverance, redemption, and hope.
Ruff Ryders founders Dee and Waah Dean spoke about DMX’s enduring legacy and the profound impact he had on the culture. Together, they helped build one of the most influential movements in Hip-Hop history, introducing the world to an artist whose unmistakable voice, electrifying performances, and authentic storytelling would forever change the genre. More than two decades after his rise to fame, DMX’s music continues to inspire new generations of fans around the globe.
“Me and my family, we’ve been here from day one with DMX, working with him unconditionally. Today is more than a street naming. Today is a celebration of a Son of Yonkers whose voice, spirit, and legacy continue to inspire people around the world. Earl DMX Simmons never forgot where he came from. These streets shaped him, challenged him, and ultimately helped create one of the most authentic and influential artists hip hop has ever known. Through his music, his faith, and his struggle, X gave voice to those who felt unheard and hope to those who felt forgotten. For the Ruff Ryders, X was more than an artist. He was our brother, our leader, in the heart of the movement that changed music culture forever. His impact extended far beyond records and awards. He touched lives through his honesty, his generosity, and his unwavering love for his community. By renaming his street in the honor of DMX, we ensure that future generations would know his story…” Waah shared with the crowd.
“I want to thank everybody for coming out. I mainly want to thank Mike Spano, the mayor. Appreciate you very much. And the entire council for making this happen. I especially want to thank Tasha Diaz, the councilwoman responsible for making this happen cuz you made this happen. We know you made this happen. So we appreciate you, and a big thanks to the council whip, Deana, who is the main one who helped me make this happen. So, I want to thank Deana. And I want to thank X’s fiancée, Desiree, the entire Ruff Rider family, and all his close friends and loved ones, his children, and everybody that believed in him and the whole community, because anybody that knew X, knew he was one of a kind,” Dee added.
As the street sign bearing his name was unveiled, the moment served as a reminder that while Earl Simmons may have become a global icon, he will always be Yonkers’ favorite son. Now, every person who passes through the intersection of School Street and Brook Street will be reminded of the life and legacy of a man who proudly carried the city on his back and whose influence continues to be felt long after his passing. For Yonkers, “Earl ‘DMX’ Simmons Way” is more than a street name—it’s a permanent tribute to a legend who made sure the world knew exactly where he came from!
