In July, 2021, New York artist Floyd Simmons painted the mural on the street DMX once lived in memory of the Yonkers Rap legend, who passed away at the age of 50 in April 2021. The mural is located on School street, near the Calgano Homes Municipal Housing complex where DMX once lived.
The giant mural – 35 by 22 feet – features a portrait of X along with verses from songs like 1998’s ‘Look Thru My Eyes’, in which the rapper references the area: “Come through flyin’, up 129 / Up the School Street ’cause I come through mine.” It also features lyrics from 2001’s ‘School Street’ and DJ Clue’s 1998 song ‘It’s On’, which X appeared on.
In memory of DMX during Hip Hop History Month in November, and in celebration of all the talent that has come out of Yonkers, the Municipal Housing Authority (MHACY) and the City of Yonkers, are holding a contest to showcase up and coming local hip hop artists.
Yonkers has a rich history of great musical artists. Earl “DMX Simmons, The Lox, and Mary J. Blige all hail from Yonkers. DMX and Mary J. Blige grew up in Yonkers’ public housing.
MHACY President and CEO Wilson Kimball became fascinated by the role public housing played in the development of Hip Hop stars after MHACY and Def Jam records unveiled a memorial mural to hip hop artist DMX. X, who died in April, lived at 80 School Street in Yonkers but developed many of his famous rhymes while visiting his friend DJ Superior at MHACY’s Mulford Gardens.
Kimball has assembled some notables with Hip Hop cred to serve as a panel of judges including local DJ Superior and members of Sporty Thievz as well as an artist representing the Ruff Ryders. “I was not a fan of hip hop growing up, but I came to appreciate Hip Hop after DMX passed away earlier this year,’’ said Kimball. “First, I realized he was around my age. Then, I realized he grew up in MHACY housing. Lastly, I realized his music came from a dark, real, and honest place. I may not have had the same challenging childhood in the same place, but I understood what he was going through because his lyrics are so compelling.’’
Mayor Mike Spano said that the contest would not only help to showcase new artists but would spotlight Yonkers as a city that has gone through an amazing transformation, especially in regards to the quality of its affordable and public housing. “We have some incredible talent and creative energy here in the City of Yonkers,’’ said Spano. “This contest will not only help young artists, but is a great way to put a spotlight on the good things that are going on here in our city.’’
MHACY is asking artists to send their videos to hiphop@mhacy.org by November 30 for judging. The first-place winner will receive a $500 gift card from MHACY and Def Jam and will be featured on the DMX social media feed. Runner ups will receive a $100 prize.
The winners will also get to perform their work at a live event on December 18 at the School Street gym with some surprise guest artists.
