DMX’s street naming is still ringing bells, but the chatter continues.
Last weekend was a tumultuous one. There was a lot going on, but it end off with something genuinely meaningful on Friday. Earl “DMX” Simmons got a street named after him in his native Yonkers, New York. As you probably already know, DMX is beloved over here at AllHipHop. We’ve covered him for over 25 years. Isn’t that something?
Now, a lot has already been made about the family drama that unfolded during the ceremony. But there were some details people probably missed, because they weren’t there. We were. So here’s some of what you may not have seen.
First, Treach from Naughty By Nature was in the building, Hip-Hop speak for. The rap legend came out to pay his respects to DMX, his family and the Ruff Ryders. He was there chilling, minding his business, keeping a low profile and taking pictures with fans. That’s real.
Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur was also there, which should surprise nobody. Jigsaw was the first person to interview DMX for AllHipHop and spoke with him numerous times over the years. He’s been open about how much the late rapper impacted him personally and professionally. For some people, this was a news event. For Chuck, it was personal.
Now let’s talk about who wasn’t there.
Jadakiss, Styles P and Sheek Louch — The LOX — were not present. As you know, DMX played a major role in bringing them back to the forefront after they left Bad Boy. My suspicion is they probably saw the drama coming from a mile away and decided to sit this one out. Can’t say I blame them. Swizz Beatz wasn’t there either. Neither was Dame Grease, the other producer that gave X that hardcore foundation. Alicia Keys showed up to DMX’s birthday celebration last year but wasn’t in attendance here. And when you think about all the people DMX made rich….record labels, promoters, the whole industry ecosystem …none of them were there. It was hard to ignore.
One thing that hasn’t gotten nearly enough attention in any account I’ve seen is the heat.
It was scorching in Yonkers that day. Absolutely baking. VIP folks got some juice and maybe some water, but for the most part you were on your own. Good thing there was a bodega nearby, because that corner store probably had one of its best afternoons all summer. If you were a speaker, you had a tent. If you were a camera crew, you had a tent. If you were just there to pay your respects, you were a roasted chicken.
And don’t even get me started on those metal chairs that had been sitting in direct sunlight for hours. Those things were hotter than a cast-iron skillet on a gas burner. I’m exaggerating, but only slightly. If you know the title of DMX’s debut album, you already understand why the weather felt fitting.
Something else that’s gone largely unreported: the mural. There’s a beautiful piece of artwork nearby featuring DMX alongside some of his lyrics, and people stopped to take photos in front of it throughout the entire day. It became an unofficial tribute spot — and honestly felt just as meaningful as the ceremony itself.
There were plenty of Ruff Ryders out there too, but not as many motorcycles as you might expect. Double R’s spirit was very much alive. Every time somebody shouted “Ruff Ryders!” they fired back “You know!” without hesitation. Wonderful.
And then you already know when it all went into a different zone.
After the official ceremony concluded, DMX’s son Xavier stepped forward. He was not on the program and he came in hot. Initially it seemed like he wanted his mother Tashera (X’s first wife and friend) to speak, and after some coaxing she stood up beside him. Before long it was clear that DMX’s first family had arrived in full force. They were Mob Deep.
The mayor essentially broke away from the stage the moment the interruption became drama. The mic was cut off. Desiree Lindstrom, DMX’s longtime fiancée and mother of his youngest child, bounced shortly after. She was expected to pull the string and unveil the Earl “DMX” Simmons Way sign. You could hear the quiet, urgent conversations happening around the stage. The message was clear: get it done, get it done now. So they did. The mayor pulled the string, the sign went up, and that was that.
Once it was over, it momentarily turned celebratory again. Desiree was gone. Treach and his wife had left. The remaining VIP crowd lingered, took pictures and traded stories, and for a moment it felt like a block party. Some said Xavier reminded them of DMX.
The city of Yonkers broke everything down with remarkable speed. They nearly took chairs as people still sat in them. I jest, but tents, podium, juice cooler and all the amenities soon disappeared. It was almost like they wanted no evidence that anything had happened. Nobody even got to hold up the commemorative DMX Way signs that were tucked away. They wanted this over over.
But something had happened. Dark Man X was honored.
The day could never horrible, because at its core it was a celebration of DMX, one Earl Simmons. But it absolutely showed how complicated the web of relationships surrounding his legacy remains. The street is named. The honor is real and long overdue. And Earl Simmons, the man who gave us some of the most raw and passionate music Hip-Hop has ever produced, deserved every bit of it…drama and all.
I suspect he’s somewhere laughing.
Photos: Brotha Conscious
Photos: Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur
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