On Saturday, September 14, 2019, the city of Mount Vernon witnessed a true celebration of Hip-Hop when DMX and Nice & Smooth hit the stage during CityFest, bringing together generations of the culture on one stage. It wasn’t just another concert—it was a moment where legends connected directly with the people, reminding everyone why Hip-Hop remains rooted in community, energy, and authenticity. Mount Vernon’s City Fest is a free, day-long celebration of community, culture, and arts hosted by the City’s Recreation Department. The festival featured food, vendors, activities for all ages, and live musical performances, most notably a special headline concert by the late rap icon DMX, and the Hip-Hop Junkies, Nice & Smooth.
DMX brought the raw intensity and spiritual passion that made him one of the most electrifying performers in rap history, while Greg Nice and Smooth B delivered the charisma, humor, and classic routines that helped define hip-hop’s golden era. For Mount Vernon, a city with deep hip-hop ties of its own, the event felt bigger than entertainment—it felt like the culture coming home.
DMX
DMX took the stage shortly after 8 pm, Saturday, September 14th, at Mount Vernon’s annual City Fest event. As he started to perform, the sky opened up, but that didn’t stop the dog from doing his thing.
NICE & SMOOTH
After DMX performed and was given a proclamation from the City of Mount Vernon by Mayor André Wallace, the Hip-Hop junkies took the stage, yes, Nice & Smooth. Greg “Greg Nice” Mays and Daryl “Smooth B” Barnes, with deejay Tedd “DJ Teddy Tedd” Whiting of the Awesone Two on the wheels, did not disappoint. Greg Nice jumped in the crowd and performed the rest of the show there to the delight of the fans, many taking selfies of themselves with the legendary, energetic emcee.
Other performers included R & B/ Hip Hop: Sophisticated Gents, Norm Adam, Ismilez, Julia Robert, Nyasia Chenil, DRR, The Choice, Aly-US, Gospel Performances: Dr. Kenneth Hamilton and Jenkins Brothers (Main Stage), Reggae Performances: Serani & Friends (Main Stage), a few local artists, and Hip Hop/R&B performances from Intro and Ruff Endz. DMX and Nice & Smooth headlined the event!
The all-day event transformed the downtown area, taking place along Gramatan Avenue and Hartley Park, with activities kicking off in Hartley Park at 9:00 AM and the main festival running from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM. It aimed to showcase the diverse, vibrant heart of Mount Vernon through local talent and community unity. City of Mount Vernon, NY – Recreation Department offers an array of programs and services for all residents, from children to senior citizens.
