A street in Yonkers has been renamed in honor of the late hip hop icon DMX, with a large gathering turning out to remember the artist. The new sign, reading Earl DMX Simmons Way, was unveiled at the corner of School Street and Brook Street.
The location carries personal meaning, as the renamed street sits near the public housing complex where DMX grew up. Born Earl Simmons, the rapper was raised in Yonkers before going on to a landmark career in music.
DMX became one of the most successful hip hop artists ever, with five consecutive albums that debuted at the top of the Billboard 200. That commercial run made him one of the defining voices of his era.
Speakers at the ceremony framed the day as more than a celebration of a hip hop legend. It was described as honoring a hometown hero who showed that strength and vulnerability could coexist.
Organizers thanked DMX's children, family, friends and fans for turning out for the occasion, saying he would be feeling all the love from heaven. The unveiling drew an emotional crowd to the Yonkers street corner.
DMX died in 2021 at the age of 50. The street naming gives a permanent marker to his roots in the city, placed close to where his story began.