Volume 4/ Issue 9 Black Westchester April 15, 2021 - DMX Commemorative Issue

New York State Senate, 35th District President Pro Tem ♦ Majority Leader

Remembering Earl Simmons “DMX”

To many in our area he was someone who overcame great obstacles and never forgot where he came from. Growing up in the School Street public housing complex and sharing his painful childhood through his music has always kept him connected to Yonkers. Today, we salute him and thank him for his contributions to our community and the entire music industry.

Andrea Stewart-Cousins

Founded in 2014 by DAMON K. JONES

AJ WOODSON

Published by

URBANSOUL MEDIA GROUP

455 Tarrytown Rd., Suite 1318 White Plains, NY 10607 (914) 979-2093

www.BlackWestchester.com

Email: BlackWestchesterMag@gmail.com

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Twitter: @BlkWestchesterM and @PBPRadio

Instagram: @BlackWestchester and @PBPRadioShow

Facebook: /BlackWestchesterMagazine

Publisher

DAMON K. JONES @DamonKJones

Editor-In-Chief

AJ WOODSON @BWEditorInChief

Mistress Of Information

Brenda L. Crump

News Reporters/ Writers

AJ Woodson

Damon K. Jones

Lorraine Lopez

Dennis Richmond Jr.

Priscilla Echi

Carlos Burgos

FROM THE PUBLISHER’S DESK

As Publisher of Black Westchester Magazine (BW), I would like to thank everyone for their support of our efforts to bring information to the people of Westchester County. As we embark on a new chapter for BW, we hope to continue to empower the reader on issues in their communities.

Independent media like BW has become more than a mere institution; instead, the independent media acts as a direct participant in the traditional three-branch system of governance.

What many fail to realize is that independent media serves a fundamental role in making democracies run efficiently, even though there are frequent clashes. Independent media system thus often “reflects the political philosophy in which Democracy indeed functions”. This being said, BW will not be disregarded as a trivial player in the responsibilities of being a check and balance system in the political process of the Black Communities of Westchester. BW’s purpose is not only to address the political process that affects the everyday lives of communities of colour in Westchester County. BW’s mission has also been to shine a light on the brilliant culture, morals, values and elegant lifestyle of Black people. It’s time to change the narrative on how Black people are portrayed in media.

As Publisher of BW, our doors are open to the public. From the publication, the website, our radio show and now the newspaper; our doors are open to the people. We do not do this for any grander position or status; we do it for the people.

A FEW WORDS FROM THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Welcome to our April 15, 2021, DMX Commemorative Issue.

This month, we pushed back the issue a few days because we wanted to celebrate the Life and Legacy of Earl ‘DMX’ Simmons. We dedicated the entire issue to The Dog. We covered the Vigils in White Plains, Mount Vernon, and Yonkers, previous performances at City Fest 2019 in Mount Vernon, and his first concert at the Westchester County Center. We shared memories from several individuals like Congressman Jamaal Bowman.

We noticed many media outlets talked about the issues DMX dealt with, uplifted the negative aspects of his life, and felt we had to be the ones to celebrate him. This issue is for the fans, for the hood, for the streets. We hope you enjoy this issue, especially those who love him and everyone in Yonkers, this ones for you. Thank you to everyone who helped make this issue possible. Special shoutout to Lorraine Lopez, who probably worked on this issue as hard as I did, calling everyone for pictures, for quotes, for information, for advertising, this issue would not have been possible without her. We added four extra pages to the issue and ordered extra copies so we could saturate the city of Yonkers!

DMX meant so much to so many, and we pray we did him proud. Born in Mount Vernon, raised in Yonkers, lived in White Plains, everyone in Westchester County claims him as their own. He repped Westchester to the fullest, and Black Westchester thought it was only fitting we rep him just as hard; we miss you Dog, thanks for the music, the prayers, and all you have done.

We would like to take this time to thank all the readers, listeners, supporters, sponsors, contributors, and advertisers for their support in our effort to deliver the “News With The Black Point Of View,” since 2014. Send us your feedback, let us know what you think of this issue. Let us know subjects/topics you would like to see us cover in the future and send your letters to the editor to BlackWestchesterMag@gmail.com.

Peace and Blessings

AJ Woodson

BLACK WESTCHESTER MAGAZINE DOES NOT ENDORSE ANY CLAIMS OF ADVERTISEMENTS THAT APPEAR IN PRINT OR ANY OTHER DIGITAL OR AUDIO FORMAT. ADVERTISEMENTS DO NOT INFLUENCE EDITORIAL DECISIONS OR CONTENT, WE ARE THE FREE PRESS!

Photographers

AJ Woodson

Cynthia Turnquest-Jones

Jamaal Farrell @trap.n.shoot

Graphic Designers

AJ Woodson

Paula S. Woodson/

PS Visually Speakin’

Mail Subscriptions: blackwestchester@gmail.com

Letters To The Editor BWEditorInChief@gmail.com

CONGRESSMAN JAMAAL BOWMAN ON WHAT DMX MEANT TO HIM

BY AJ WOODSON

By now all Black Westchester readers know Congressman Jamaal Bowman who defeated Eliot Engel and now serves as the U.S. representative for New York’s 16th congressional district that covers much of the north Bronx, as well as the southern half of Westchester County including Mt. Vernon, New Rochelle and Bowman’s hometown of Yonkers.

You may have read he is an educator, husband, father of three, champion of children or working families, and one of the newest members of The Squad. Yeah, I knew you can read that anywhere, but did you know he knew a thing or two about Hip-Hop, yes our new congressman is a Hip-Hop Head and a big DMX Fan, bet you won’t read about that anywhere else!

After DMX’s passing, he recorded a video and shared it on his social media. Q very powerful and passionate video. Black Westchester able to obtain the video from Rep. Bowman. Since there is no possible way for me to let you hear it in the newspaper, I transcribe his words, because I felt they deserved to be in this Special DMX Commemorative issue, where we are celebrating The Dog’s Life and Legacy. We still encourage you to check out the video for yourself on BlackWestchester.com because reading them cannot capture the passion, the respect, the love he had - like many of us have - for DMX!

It’s Congressman Bowman here. I just want to make a quick video to say Rest In Peace, Rest In Power to DMX, one of the most prolific poets, artists in not just Hip-Hop History but U.S. and World History. DMX is from my District. He was born in Mount Vernon and raised in Yonkers. I never got a chance to meet DMX. I met some of his family along the way but never got a chance to meet him. But even from afar, he had a tremendous impact on my life on my upbringing as a kid. I mean, first of all, his first album, Its Dark And Hell Is Hot, is

the same sort of raw taking over the universe, I’m moving the universe energy, that was DMX, that was DMX. So rest in power, my brother. I will continue to rep Yonkers and the District with the same energy for as long as I’m here. Then Congressman Bowman threw up the peace sign said peace and love and signed off. I shared his words in his video because it is just another testament to how DMX meant so much to so many. To see Congressman Bowman’s video. for yourself you can go to BlackWestchester.com.

CYNTHIA TURNQUEST-JONES

DMX said, “Y’all been eatin’ long enough now, stop being greedy. Just keep it real, partner, give to the needy.” This single peaked at No.79 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US. One of the many verses I really appreciate from DMX. It reflects my journey as a small

This photo was captured

Congressman Jamaal Bowan at the Mount Vernon S.T.E.A.M. Academy, discussing healing and revitalizing schools in our district, Saturday, March 13, 2021 [Black Westchester]

DMX WAS A MODERN DAY PAUL THE APOSTLE

There has been much written about Earl Simmons, many articles discussing exhaustively about his demons, his addiction and incarceration to sell newspapers and for ratings on TV and Cable News. And while Earl himself confirmed much of what they said about him was true, it was far from the whole story. Others talk about his music, the energy on stage, his lyrics, his incredible show performance. Still, most leave out one of the most important elements of who he was, his spirituality. Yes, it may be mentioned in passing, but we decided we wanted to dedicate a full page and entire article to share this side of DMX cause we felt they don’t know who he be!

He was a street prophet, a street apostle, a Man of God, and most importantly, a prayer warrior. DMX never skipped an opportunity to thank the Lord for his blessings. He prayed backstage, he prayed on stage, he prayed before rocking the crowd in-person or virtually, he ended his show with a prayer, he prayed before he ate, he prayed for those he knew, those close to him and with complete strangers who were going through something. He taught many how to pray. Every album had a prayer. And while he was in the hospital and even after his passing, God used him to reach people. People who have never prayed in their lives or who do not have an active prayer life, prayed for DMX, prayed for his recovery and after his passing. Prayed for his soul; that’s nothing short of the Power of God.

Sure DMX was a flawed man. Who among us isn’t? But his words are what made him a shepherd doing God’s work. He battled addiction, but he used his life as a cautionary tale and put it in his music to inspire and encourage his fans. He was a powerful wordsmith whose prayers got us through.

His debut album, “It’s Dark And Hell Is Hot” released on May 12, 1998, by Ruff Ryders and Def Jam featured four singles—”Get at Me Dog”, “Stop Being Greedy”, “Ruff Ryders Anthem” and “How’s It Goin’ Down” that rocked the streets, the clubs and enjoyed heavy rotation on radio, but there was also, “The Prayer”, the first of many that would accompany every album to follow...

I come to you hungry and tired, you give me food and let me sleep

I come to you weak, you give me strength, and that’s deep

You call me a sheep and lead me to green pastures

Only askin’ that I keep the focus in between the chapters

You give me the word and only ask that I interpret

And give me the eyes that I may recognize the serpent

You know I ain’t perfect, but you’d like me to try

Unlike the Devil, who just wants me to lie ‘til I die

Lord, why is it that I go through so much pain?

All I saw was black, all I felt was rain

I come to you because it’s you who knows

You showed me that everything was black because my eyes were closed

You gave me the light and let me bask in your glory

So it was only right that, when you asked for this story

I put it together, to do our dogs some good

Our dogs being brothers and sisters in the hood

Plenty of times you sent help my way, but I hid

And I remember once, you held me close, but I slid

There was somethin’ that I just had to see

That you wanted me to see so I could be what you wanted me to be

And I think I’ve seen it, ‘cause I don’t feel the same

Matter of fact, I know I’ve seen it, I can feel the change

And it’s strange, almost got me beatin’ down your door

But I’ve never known love like this before

It’s a wonderful feelin’ to get away from the pain

And up under the ceilin’, I get away from the rain

And the strain that I feel when I’m here is gone

I know real, so I wipe away the tear, it’s on

And I almost lost faith when you took my man

Monty, Paso, and Jay’s brother Dan

And I fear that what I’m sayin’ won’t be heard until I’m gone

But it’s all good, ‘cause I really didn’t expect to live long

So, if it takes for me to suffer for my brother to see the light

Give me pain till I die, but, please, Lord, treat him right

In the Bible, Paul the Apostle, commonly known as Saint Paul and also known by his Hebrew name Saul of Tarsus, was a Christian Apostle - although not one of the Twelve Apostles - he was the one for Jesus choose to spread the His teachings to Gentiles. In the same way, in the late 1990s, God choose Earl Simmons to spread His word to the modern-day Gentiles - The Hip-Hop Generation. DMX was a modern-day Paul the Apostle.

In 2 Corinthians 12:7 Paul writes in his second letter to the church of God that is in Corinth; Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. DMX had his own thorn in his side and we saw it play out of TV screens, news cameras, in the media as well as on stage and in his music. Like Paul, Earl was “called by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus,” but his movement and appearence was no more like that of a preacher in church, than Paul operated the way the Jewish Apostles - who walked with Christ - did. In both cases God did not want the most polished biblical or Jewsih scholar, but a relentless doer to reach His people.

Another similarity between Paul and Earl, Paul had asked God three times to take away this ‘thorn” and God answered his prayer with “NO!” God simply stated, “My grace is sufficient.” “I am going to allow you to

continue suffering.” Paul’s reply shows that he understood this. He chose to be quiet, stop praying about it, and be content with sufferings.

Earl was pleased God decided to use him and that people were being blessed by but would have liked it to happen without the pain and suffering but much like Paul, he understood and was content with the suffering. Think I’m reaching, don’t take my word for it, Earl told you that himself in the closing of his prayer on his debut album; And I fear that what I’m sayin’ won’t be heard until I’m gone/ But it’s all good, ‘cause I really didn’t expect to live long/ So, if it takes for me to suffer for my brother to see the light/ Give me pain till I die, but, please, Lord, treat him right.

Now for some, God’s answer may sound just outright cruel; I am going to allow you to continue to suffer, when with the snap of a finger, God could have made both prophets’ pain go away. But that’s because we do not understand how God works. He did not want either to take the credit, or get conceited about what they did but to give God credit. God used these imperfect men, these flawed individuals who you know it couldn’t be all them, it had to be by the Grace of God. In that way, God used both men to bring His people closer to Him.

When that happens, jealousy ensues. Preachers and some holier than thou churchgoers can not accept DMX as a messenger from God no more than the original disciples accepted Paul. Some were even saying why would Jesus choose Paul when we walked with Jesus; we were his friends. But like the disciples kept God’s word and shared it with those like them and around them, and how some preachers only help those who come in the church building, God used Paul to reach those who the disciples- who walked with Him - weren’t reaching. God used DMX to reach the people in the streets that do not read the bible regularly, who do not enter the church building or want nothing to do with the church - you know the CME’s who go on Chritsmas, Mother’s Day and Easter - that pastors aren’t reaching. Paul was charged with taking His Word to the Gentiles and DMX was charged with taking His Word to the streets.

So when we only look at DMX as the real street dude, as a dope rapper, an energetic emcee, as a flawed individual who battled his demons, we do him a great disservice because he was a Messenger of God, a street prophet, his pulpit was Hip-Hop, his congregation was his fans. Black Westchester dedicated this entire issue to celebrate the Life and Legacy of Earl “DMX” Simmons, and we salute him. We wanted to dedicate this page to uplift his Spirituality because that was just as much a part of him and all the rest, “Lord Give Me A Sign”, wasn’t his first spiritual record, just the first Def Jam decided to make a single, there was also joints like “Thank You” with Patti Labelle of The Grand Champ album and “Angel” featuring Regina Belle on the Exit Wounds Soundtrack just to name a few. Now his assignment here on Earth is done. Rest In Power, my brother!

DOZEN OF DOPE DMX FEATURES & COLLABOS

BY AJ WOODSON

“MONEY, POWER & RESPECT,” THE LOX FEAT DMX & LIL’ KIM “ M oms at home praying that yoy coming home but you not!

You sittin’ up in a trunk startin’ to rot!

There is no debate that the joint right here is a certified street banger, with standout performances from the Queen Bee on the hook and Sp, Sheek and Jadakiss, who sneezes on the track to bless you. Then of course you have The Dog. Soon as you hear the bark, you know X is about to go IN. X was on the verge of taking over the music industry with his debut disc. He delivered a sharp flurry of words to close out the track. “This ain’t no fuckin’ game!/ You think I’m playin’?/‘Til you laying somewhere in a junkyard decaying?” he barks as he offcially shut it down. This joint dropped roughly two months before X’s debut album. The song was produced by Hitmen members D-Dot and Amen-Ra (Derickson Lawrence’s younger brother for those of you in Mount Vernon). It was #9 on Ego Trips Book Of Rap List – Hip-Hops Greatest Hits By Year (1997).

“4, 3, 2, 1” LL COOL J FEATURING METHOD MAN, REDMAN, DMX, CANIBUS

You remember the joint from LL’s on LL’s seventh album that spawned the battle with L and newcomer Canibus. Even among the plethora, of lyricis, on this track,The Dog stands out with his guttural gravitas, shouting out energetic ski-mask threats; “Do you value your life as much as your possessions?/ Don’t be a stupid nigga, learn a lesson/I’m gon’ get you either way! And it’s better to live/Let me get what’s in your sock, ‘cause it’s better to give,” On Saturday, April 3, 2021 as news spread of DMX’s hospitalization, Uncle L tweeted: “Today is 4/3/21 — it’s only right that we celebrate the talent and genius of my brother DMX on the 4, 3, 2, 1 song. We love you X get well fast.”

“MONEY, CASH, HOES,” JAY-Z FEATURING DMX

The third single from Jigga’s third album “Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life” about the three most important things in life: Money; Cash; Charitable Acts (aight you got me, #3 is Hoes). D-M-X and my dogs bite, Jigga my n*gga rhymes all night... You know Hov gets in some slick verses, I’m mean come on, it’s his joint after all, but it’s DMX’s bark that still echoes loudest 23 years later. It;s all about X’s ad-libs, you know that deep growl that opens the intro, the titanic “WHAT!” and “UH!” and “COME ON!” that properly punctuate each chorus. The remix More Money, Money Cash, More Hoes features fellow emcees DMX, Memphis Bleek, & Beanie Siegel.

“BACK IN ONE PIECE” AALIYAH FEAT DMX

(ROMEO MUST DIE SOUNDTRACK)

Before R&B Princess, Aaliyah died, she and DMX were able to get together on a track and make some beautiful music for the soundtrack to Romeo Must Die. the result - a dope hood Hip-Hop love song! A classic collabo, that bumped hard in the club and in the street and also got good rotation on radio too. This was the third official single from the Romeo Must Die Soundtrack. “We did the video in Mount Vernon and Yonkers. I got to bring Aaliyah to the hood. Not many people can say that,” recalls DMX for Billboard in 2011.

Aaliyah and DMX remained close friends until her death in 2001. Aaliyah’s mother Diane Houghton offered her condolences and posted a tribute to DMX follwing the news of his passing.

“Earl you had and still have a heart of gold,” Houghton posted on Instagram. “You and baby Girl will meet again with all the beautiful people we have lost. Will never forget your kindness. NEVER! Blessing to you family! Eternally!

“GRAND FINALE” DMX, METHOD MAN, NAS & JA RULE (BELLY SOUNDTRACK)

On the first single of the soundtack, “Grand Finale,” the three emcees who star in the film - DMX, Method Man, and Nas - team up with the growling Ja Rule for a skills exhibition that accurately reflect the central theme of the flick: the paper chase from the disenfranchised point of view and the treacherous road to the riches that ensues.

“RUFF RYDERS ANTHEM REMIX” DMX FT. DJ CLUE, DRAG-ON, EVE & THE LOX

Released in 1999 as the 3rd and final single from DJ Clues’s solo debut album, The Professional (1998). On the original version X teaches a master class in how to ride a beat. On the remix X invites the entire Double R to join. While X ripped it ofcourse (what you expect the leader of the crew to do on his own joint), but I must shout out to the pitbull in a skirt, Ruff Ryder;s First lady Eve who totally bodies this track. The song was later featured in Grand Theft Auto Liberty CityStories in the station “The Liberty Jam.” In 2020 the song was also featured in teh game Call of Duty Modern Warfare!

“BLACKOUT” DMX FEAT. LOX & JAY-Z

You can never go wrong with DMX and The Lox trading verses. But just when you thought Blackout couldn’t be more New York than a Yonkers rhymefest from the Ruff Ryders Cartel, the smooth-talking, Rocafella kingpin Jay-Z - then in his prime- also spits a verse on this track and you got nuthin’ but straight lyricism like it was an Olympic event! A Certified Street Banger!

“WHAT THEY REALLY WANT?” DMX FT. SISQO

One of the biggest summer anthems ever! Every female turned up the radio so she could hear if D, said her name at the end. There was Brenda, LaTisha, Linda, Felicia (okay) Dawn, LeShaun, Ines, and Alicia (ooh) Teresa, Monica, Sharron, Nicki (uh-huh) Lisa, Veronica, Karen, Vicky (damn) Cookies, well I met her in a ice cream parlor (aight?) Tonya, Diane, Lori and Carla (okay) Marina (uhh) Selena (uhh) Katrina (uhh) Sabrina (uhh) About three Kim’s (WHAT?) LaToya, and Tina (WHOO!) Shelley, Bridget, Cavi, Rasheeda (uh-huh) Kelly, Nicole, Angel, Juanita (damn!) Stacy, Tracie, Rohna, and Ronda (WHAT?) Donna, Ulanda (WHAT?) Tawana, and Wanda (WHAT?)

“SINCERITY” MARY BLIGE FEAT DMX AND NAS

This underrated joint MJB’s 1999 album “Mary” teams the Queen of the HipHop Collabo with fellow Yonkers resident DMX, and the Queensbridge’s biggest representer Nas kicking about relationships over Bob James’s “Nautilus”

TOP SHOTTER - DMX FEAT. SEAN PAUL & MR. VEGAS (BELLY SOUNDTRACK)

Here comes the boom, here comes the boom... X displays his versatility as he uses his rabid flow over a dancehall rhythm with assists from raggamuffins Mr. Vegas and Sean Paul.

“24 HOURS TO LIVE” MA$E FT. THE LOX, BLACK ROB, DMX

So I’m gon’ waste alot of lives, but I’ll cherish every breath I know exactly where I’m goin’, but I’mma send you there first And with the shit that I’ll be doin’, I’mma send you there worse I’ve been livin’ with a curse, and now it’s all about to end

A smooth posse cut the likes of which we simply don’t see anymore. The year was 1997, the track featured a lineup of DMX, The LOX (who were also signed to Bad Boy at the time), and Black Rob. The conceptual track found each emcee reflecting what they would do tomorrow if it was their last day on Earth. R.I.P. to Black Rob passed 8 days after DMX, which will sure bring this joint back to heavy rotation on every radio and video station!!!

“BOUT SHIT” THE LOX FEATURING DMX (2020)

Last year, Jadakiss, Sheek Louch, and Styles P reunited with X on their gritty third single “Bout Shit” off their first album in four years, Living Off Xperience. DMX kills this track with the grey beard from the first bar when he starts off, Soon as X spits “They call me the microwave, cause I hit em with hot shit..” you know its about to go down and can’t helped to get amped about the new music he was working on with Swizz Beatz. Yup this was just a taste of what’s to come! “Ni**as talk about battle but they ain’t battle dog/ My rap sheet is longer than ni**as’ catalogues / F**k you battle for, you know you ain’t winning / X been the grim reaper since the beginning.” Just in case they forget X let em know; “Been a loose cannon, been putting work in/ Name ringing bells from School Street to Warburton”

HONORABLE MENTIONS:

“TIME TO BUILD”MIC GERONIMO FT, JAY -Z, DMX, JA RULE (1995)

Irv Gotti protégé Geronimo enlisted emcees DMX, Ja Rule and Jay-Z for this collabo. This tough track set the stage for Ja, Jay and X’s Murder Inc Triumvirate, a planned album that never materialized. Even though that was a missed opportunity, this joint displayed DMX’s dope rhyme skillz and proved he could hold his own with the New York borough rappers.

“BOY BACK UP” (FEAT. MOBB DEEP) (2010)

An overlooked gem in DMX’s discography.

“I MISS YOU” DMX FT. FAITH EVANS

You could always count on DMX to deliver lyrics that were soul deep!

“SHUT ‘EM DOWN” ONYX FEAT DMX

“How much is your life worth to someone important? Cause I be extortin’/ Kidnap him for ransom is some sh*t you don’t wanna get caught in.” X blazed the track with his gritty, grimhy gutter labelmates Onyx!

YONKERS COUNCILWOMAN SHANAE WILLIAMS

“My prayers are with the Simmons family during this difficulty time. Earl “DMX” Simmons will be sorely missed but his music and his love for the community will always be with us. I am proud to call the home of DMX my home and extremely honored to represent it on the City

MAYOR MIKE SPANO

“Our city mourns the loss of a musical icon, someone who wore their heart on their sleeve and at every opportunity has given back to Yonkers – the city he loved,” said Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano. “Earl Simmons, or as we know him, DMX, was a man of exceptional talent. His spirit will live on in the power of his music and leave a lasting impact on his tremendous following. May he Rest In Peace.”

DJ TRI-STATE JERICKO THE

VOICE OF WESTCHESTER

Would you believe me if I told you ‘An ANGEL walked upon us, in the form of a man, a man with a heart of an ANGEL. One who cared for others before himself. I would like to thank you for that GOD, your ANGEL showed us HOW TO PRAY!!!

JOHN KHADER TOP CLASS LIMO

“Never a dull moment when he would stop by, get a detail or rent one of my cars sometimes not returning it for days.”

KEITH OLSON YONKERS PBA PRESIDENT

At a time when it’s become cool to bash and vilify the police, DMX came to a Yonkers Police & Fire Toughman charity event and thanked us. He was truly grateful for the help he received from the YPD and was unafraid to show it. The Toughman is a special event, but X made this one even more special. He was an amazing talent who’s music is heard in every arena, at every sporting event around the world. But for me, at the end of the day, he’s just another Yonkers kid gone way too soon. DMX, Earl Simmons, son of Yonkers, Rest In Peace brother.

DERKQUON BATTLE

DMX will always be a Yonkers Legend everything he rapped about came from the heart.

SHOCK

GRIND ONE FOUR

A Man Of The People Who Will Never Be Forgotten. He Showed That Despite Unfortunate Situations We might be Placed In Thru Our Early Years. You Can Overcome Them With Grind Determination and The Lord Above.

DMX VIGIL - 4TH STREET PARK, MT VERNON

ADDITIONAL PICS BY AJ WOODSON

HUNDREDS GATHER TO SHOW LOVE AT PRAYER VIGIL AND RALLY FOR DMX

BY AJ WOODSON

Hundreds gathered Monday, April 5th to pray and offer support for to one of Westchester County’s most beloved rappers, DMX as he remains hospitalized following a heart attack he suffered on Friday. At least 500 people gathered outside White Plains Hospital (41 E Post Rd) where the rapper and actor is currently being treated. His longtime attorney, Murray Richman, confirmed to Black Westchester Sunday, April 4th, that DMX had suffered a heart attack around 11 p.m. on Friday at his home in White Plains and was taken via ambulance to a local hospital. Richman said then that the artist was on a ventilator. The attorney said he did not know what may have caused the rapper to have had a heart attack. After the vigil in front of the hospital, the crown moved to Gardella Park on Ferris Avenue. The Voice of Westchester, DJ Tri-State Jericko entertained the crowd inside the park, while the Ruff Ryders Motorcycle Club performed stunts much like they did in the music video for the late ’90s, anthem X dedicated to them. When the Ruff Ryders Anthem played the crowd went wild. BW’s Cynthia Turnquest-Jones was on hand to capture some of the moment outside the hospital and on Ferris Avenue on camera.

DMX ROCKS THE COUNTY CENTER

BY AJ WOODSON

White Plains — Billed as a birthday bash concert for Ruff Ryder CEO Darren Dean better known as Dee and referred to as The General by everyone in the Double R camp, The Ruff Ryders (DMX, The Lox, Drag-On Swizz Beats & Sean Cross) graced the stage of the Westchester County Center, Saturday, July 16, 2016.

“When he first arrived at the County Center and saw the ‘Empire Strikes Back’ banner with his name, his face just lit up, he was beaming with such pride because it meant too much to him to perform for his fans at home,” recalls Lisa Reyes who exclusively interviewed X before the concert.

“I did, one day hope I would be able to perform here,” DMX told News 12 during the interview that was nominated for a prestigious New York Emmy award in the Best Entertainment News category. “I’ve performed on bigger stages, but I don’t think I performed on a more special stage.”

That’s because this was a homecoming of sorts for DMX, he was home and performing in what would be Westchester County’s first rap concert ,according to Reyes.

‘We walked up to the stage and he looked out into the empty seats that were going to be packed with fans and I asked him, what do you think you will open with and he just started rapping ‘Bring it! We right here’, that raw growl, the way he rapped was inimitable,” Reyes recalls for Black Westchester.

and forth from the emcee and Earl the Apostle a few times during the show. Much like the Apostle Paul, one of the most well-known apostles in the early days of Christianity, DMX took the Gospel to the Gentiles, which in 2016 is the hip-hop listening youth of America. Yo, he may not look, nor sound like your average black preacher, but he planted seeds in the crowd like a follower of Christ is suppose to. Even ending his performance as he has many times before with a powerful prayer.

Being the biggest on the County Center stage for the night did not stop X from giving a few lucky ladies the shirts off his back, literally. First, he blessed one female fan with the sweat rag he used on his bald-head, then he took off the red t-shirt he started the show with and gave it to another female fan, and lastly, he took off the white wife beater and blessed yet another female fan. Each of the three females appeared to be greatly appreciative. Ending the show shirtless as he often does was appreciated by his female fans as well by the rousing response.

Power 105.1 FM was posted out front greeting concert-goers as they arrived. The voice of Westchester, DJ Tri-State Jericko set things off and entertained the crowd between acts on the ones and twos as the 5,000-seat multi-purpose arena in White Plains was beginning to fill to capacity. Yonkers was in the house, which was to be expected since that’s the home base of the Ruff Ryders operation. The people came to see DMX return for a long-awaited homecoming concert at the Westchester County Center.

Several lesser-known acts graced the stage displaying their skills, each like a ballplayer in the summer league vying for a position on the main roaster. The newest member of Ruff Ryders fam, Sean Cross started off the Double R lineup. Then back from a ten-year hiatus was the Bronx-born and bred rapper/actor DragOn who made a rare appearance, came out to perform and celebrate The General. The ‘Down Bottom’ rapper jumped off the stage to perform in the crowd up close & personal. When the crowd heard, ‘It’s Showtime!,’ they knew it meant Swizz Beats was about to take the stage next. He performed a few of his hit tracks like, ‘Money In The Bank.’ Swizz brought The General to the stage, who was greeted by a cake and everyone wishing Dee a Happy Birthday. The Lox took the stage next and showed why they get love in the streets for the past few decades, and it ain’t fade one bit. While DMX was the main attraction, everyone came to see, in the multiheadlined show, SP, Jada, and Sheek blazed the stage. It was bases loaded!

When he performed ‘What They Really Want’ almost every female in the house sang the track word for word; as he ran down the names, the DJ dropped the music, and you could hear the females fans running down the names louder than DMX, There was Brenda, LaTisha, Linda, Felicia (okay) Dawn, LeShaun, Ines, and Alicia (ooh) Teresa, Monica, Sharron, Nicki (uh-huh) Lisa, Veronica, Karen, Vicky (damn) Cookies, well I met her in a ice cream parlor (aight?) Tonya, Diane, Lori and Carla (okay) Marina (uhh) Selena (uhh) Katrina (uhh) Sabrina (uhh) About three Kim’s (WHAT?) LaToya, and Tina (WHOO!) Shelley, Bridget, Cavi, Rasheeda (uh-huh) Kelly, Nicole, Angel, Juanita (damn!) Stacy, Tracie, Rohna, and Ronda (WHAT?) Donna, Ulanda (WHAT?) Tawana, and Wanda (WHAT?)

Now you know you cannot have an official Ruff Ryder show without The Dog. DMX batted last and hit a grand slam running thru his extensive catalog. X switched back

We right here

We’re not goin anywhere

Greeted by a shout out from Tri-State Jericko when we entered the VIP Area in front of the stage, the Black Westchester Magazine/ People Before Politics Radio crew was in the house, including Cynthia Turnquest-Jones, Rashad Bilal, Dr. Robert Baskerville, aka Brooklyn Bob, and Priscilla Echi who was holding it down for the Double R Camp.

DMX is so energetic on the stage, and the crowd gave him back that energy. The atmosphere was incredible, the crowd was lit, and the love for DMX was unmistakable. Even though he represented Yonkers worldwide, you could tell he was home, and it was something special, and Yonkers showed up for their Hip-Hop Ambassador.

As the author of Spiritual Minded, I know firsthand it is not easy to successfully blend Hip-Hop and Spirituality, but X did it effortlessly. The concert and his life were one more example; he was just a vessel to spread music and God’s message. His spiritual side isn’t often discussed enough by the media, but he was a man of God, a man of faith. He was a street preacher, and his flock was his fans. Explicit lyrics and mistakes aside, he truly touched everyone he met, and he was never afraid to look in the mirror with God in his heart!

DMX performing at the Westchester County Center Saturday, July 16. 2016 [Black Westchester]

Lisa Reyes interviewing DMX (left) Lisa with DMX and Dee (right) [Black Westchester]

CITY FEST - MOUNT VERNON, SEPT 2019

BY AJ WOODSON

DMX took the stage shortly after 8pm, Saturday, September 14, 2019 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.

DMX live at City Fest 2019 in Mount Vernon [Black Westchester]

SCHOOL STREET HOME OF THE BRAVE!

BY AJ WOODSON

School Street, School Street, home of the brave Suckers actin like they want it, ends up in the grave (c’mon!)

I’m DMX but my, name ain’t Dave (uh)

Step to my title and I’ll crash yo’ wave

Building #80 (uh-huh) used to L-I-V-E (uh-huh)

Come through on the, late night tip and you could see me (uhh!)

Coolin with D-Nice and Box, my man (WHAT?!)

M.R., my number one fan (WHAT?!)

Small Paul, Mike Lou, native New Yorkers

Chase a.k.a. Kenny, and Chuckie Walters (UH!)

Black Shawn, Black Tim and Black Darren (woo!)

Black Tyrone, Black Al and Black Baron (woo!)

Rob and Carlos, Jersey and Dink (UH!)

James Weldon with the, cuban link (c’mon!)

Little Nick, Tony Koch, and Ollie (uh-huh)

Remember Dre, the one that used to fuck wit Holly (yeah!)

Abby and Blue, B-Boyin Shawn

Bill Smith, Nick Bird, Scoop and Shawan (UH!)

Can’t forget Long, Paris, Tone and Donny (WHAT?!)

Adman to Steve, Fat Reggie, and Ronnie

Black Lonnie, D-Mack, and Michael

{*BLAM*} Ha ha! A.K.A. Psycho (WHAT?!)

Me and Nick Styles used to get piles of cash (c’mon!)

My man Reg kept a jammy in the stash (c’mon!)

Aiyyo Flocko, Doug and Jerome (uh-huh!)

It won’t be long before Ice comes home

Nate Karasha, Bin, Buck

G’s, Bashir, don’t give a fuck! (WHAT?!)

Little Joe, kickin like Chuck Norris (WHAT?!)

Most of all I can’t forget my man Forrest (WHAT?!)

Fourteen K Alfie, Bubbles Bo (UH!)

Ralph (?), Smooth and Derenzo (WHAT?!)

The old school with Money Mark and Red Mack (yeah!)

Kool Breeze, Dry Kool, and Kangol Jack (uh-huh!)

David Earl, Jeff Kato, and Dylan

Peace to Mike Coleman (WHAT?!) heard the brother’s chillin (woo!)

Little niggas, like Big Joe and Nutty

Eighty-eight Dave Dan, the Peanut gettin money

Tweety Bird, Big Monty and Docky (UH!)

His brother Chico Red Mask Brother Hockey (UH!)

Gots to give a shoutout, to the deceased (aight?)

Little Monty and Paso, rest in peace

Yo I remember all that, cause I was there

School Street got shit sewn up all the way to the square (WHAT?!)

No one would dare even, stop to stare (UH!)

Cause they know we don’t care and we don’t play fair (UH-HUH!)

Yeah, School Street is schoolin (WHAT?!)

Fuck what you heard, nigga, School Street duelin (WHAT?!)

Who you think you foolin you’ll end up in yo’ grave (c’mon!)

Fuckin with School Street, home of the brave (woo!)

Four days after the vigil and block party-style rally in front of White Plains Hospital, which relocated to Gardella Park on Ferris Avenue, Lorraine Lopez and I went to School Street, Thursday, April 8th, where DMX called home and represented for another vigil. This wasn’t just another prayer vigil. This was home where everyone there, even if they ain’t related to The Dog, consider him family. While many prayed for DMX’s recovery, little did they know hours later, they would find out he was gone and never coming back.

“I never would have imagined when I was in High School singing DMX songs and praying the prayers from his albums, that I would pray at a vigil for him the evening he would transition from this life,” County Legislator Christopher Johnson shared.

Everyone, including Ruff Ryders Yonkers, was there to show their love and solidarity at the School Street Prayer Vigil for Earl “DMX” Simmons organized by Jamel and his wife Deana Renee NormanRobinson and the School Street community. DJKool Kutz entertained the crowd. Six days later, on Wednesday, April 14th, the mood went from hope to mourning as prayers and balloons went up for their HipHop Ambassador and beloved brother. High above School Street in Yonkers, and the love on the streets below was on full display.

DMX leaves a legacy in Yonkers, especially here in School Street. School Street was more than a song: it’s part of the Legacy of DMX. That legacy was inextricable from the biography that began in Yonkers, the physical and psychological wounds he sustained, overcame, and to which he ultimately succumbed. To truly understand the gravity of it all, reading X’s 2002 autobiography, E. A. R. L, is highly recommended.

“Rap is more than just a blessing. It’s mandatory that our generation have this music. Pain is a lot easier to deal with when it’s ours—not just yours,” DMX told The Source, January 1999. Hospitalized in the late hours of Good Friday, many were praying the barking, growling, and God-fearing prophet of Yonkers would return to them to give them more of that pure uncut raw he was known for. Prayer after prayer from Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn PattersonHoward, Legislator Christopher Johnson, and several others for the Dog’s full recovery. Emotions were high, and when X’s voice came through the speakers, they celebrated the 50-year-old rapper, actor, and father who once dominated both the charts and a stacked Def Jam roster. “DMX Saved Def Jam. I wish we could have saved him,” Def Jam’s cofounder Russell Simmons said in a video. A feeling many in School street feel now. Sometimes we have plans, but God has other plans. DMX assignment here on Earth was done, and the Lord called him home... (School street continues on Page 26)

DJKOOL KUTZ THROWS LOCUST HILL DMX BBQ TRIBUTE

DJKool Kutz threw a Locust Hill Vigil/ BBQ Tribute To DMX, Saturday, April 17th at Pitkin Park affectionately knows as King School Park Hundreds came out to celebrate their hometown hero Earl ‘DMX’ Simmons including Big Donny (DMX’s first bodyguard), and Ruff Ryders Entertainment co-founder Joaquin “Waah” Dean.

“DMX was my hero,” Big Donny shared with Black Westchester. “I was maybe one of his first official security guards. We went all around the world. I’ve been all around the world with my brother DMX. I love him and I will miss him dearly. We cried. We laughed. We loved. He is one of the best guys I know because he had a heart.” Black Westchester’s Lorraine Lopez and Cynthia TurnquestJones were on hand to cover the joyous event.

THE JOURNEY OF A GENIUS… DMX

BY PRISCILLA ECHI

The definition of a genius is a person who displays exceptional ability, creativity, or originality, typically to a degree that is associated with the achievement of new advances in a domain of knowledge. He is a scholar in many or a single subject and may be referred to as ahead of his time which leads to why they are often misunderstood. This.. is absolutely the definition of this particular individual who is clearly on the precipice of yet another exciting new chapter.

A genius to me is one who can walk through that hellfire mostly unscathed and come out without the smell of smoke. I come from this masterminds stomping grounds and fully understand the cloud that sits over the impoverished areas. I also am aware of the systematic poverty that fuels the inability to make it out. Liquor stores and caustic language greet you every couple of blocks. Making it home from jail was celebrated more than college homecomings.

When you can take the vicissitudes of that environment; the nothingness and create something, you are a genius. This particular artist… Colossal History-making Genius!!

An entire movement was created around him. He has created the Jerabaum of hood anthems that have gone down in hip hop history as the song that caused a paradigm shift in rap music.

He has proved to the masses, again and again, your circumstances can not define you. In fact, it should empower you. The only way it can impede upon your gifts is if YOU allow it to.

Even if your name stands for Dark Man. The name is a euphemism for what his talent has actually been able to achieve. His soul is in his artistry and the people.

In 1989, I was 14.. engulfed in everything HipHop I had met this artist through my Brother Cloud, him, my best friend and I immediately clicked and hung out a few times. He had a show coming up at school 12 in Yonkers and invited us to check it out. It was crowded, we made our way through the Carhartt, Timb, and Fila outfitted folk stopped close to the platform which he stood on. As soon as he grabbed the mic the crowd control was laser. He demolished it. Earl Simmons performed with a level of urgency and dynamism that I’d never had the honor of witnessing before.

At that moment I knew.. this guy is a genius and one day the entire world will know his name.

If you are a lover of Hip Hop you’ve belted his verses at ignorant levels while imitating his voice even if your mom was in the room! #DontLie

You saw that first music video in the legendary tunnel nightclub and said: “What in the Eukanuba and pit lover is this this…..!!!!!!!!” You wanted to leap clear out your chair through the screen and lose it with the crowd! #ThatIsHipHop #WhosWithMe

A fresh surge of excitement for Hip-Hop. New York had given birth to yet another golden child.

Quiet sometime would pass before the world would indeed know his name. A few years before signing with the Ruff Ryders label, he was signed to Columbia/Ruffhouse in 1992. After releasing a single, “Born Loser” he was released from the contract and moved on. Still pressing forward, DMX made an appearance in ’95 on a hit single with Mic Geronimo, JayZ, and Ja-Rule called “Time to build”.

In ’97 alongside one of Hip-Hop’s Legends LL Cool J also accompanied by Hip-hop greats Redman & Method Man and…. the controversial Canibus. DMX laId a killer verse dead smack in the middle of a legendary brewing battle. The hip-hop moment when LL swung the Excalibur letting Canibus and whoever else know don’t even come for him even if you’re sent!!

The universe was working its magic, DMX was being pushed into his purpose. As the stars aligned they added lighter fuel to that flame The LOX (Jada Kiss, Styles P, Sheik Louch) released a scorching hit “Money, Power, Respect.” Ft DMX and the incredible Queen B Lil Kim that catapulted up the charts and shook the entire Hip-Hop industry.

Who was this…?? The voice, the raw unfiltered lyrics, the flow, the authenticity, the image and the team that surrounded him… it was unprecedented.

1998 was an incredible year for not just DMX Def Jam who he had then signed to, but Hip Hop as a whole. In February Earl released his first single, “Get At Me Dog”. It exploded. Certified GOLD!

The world was now ready to digest the entirety of The Dark Man and this new wave. His first major-label album “It’s Dark And Hell Is Hot” released in May 1998 debuted at number 1 on the Billboard charts selling over 5 million copies worldwide! December 1998 DMX kept the fire burning with his second album “Flesh Of My Flesh Blood Of My Blood” also debuted and staying at number one for the first 3 weeks on the Billboard 200!

This genius made history becoming the first Hip Hop artist to release 2 number one albums in the same year!

The industry was changing allowing artists to merge into acting. Earl just so happened to be a natural landing a role alongside Nas and T-Boz from TLC in this iconic hood classic “Belly”. His depiction of the character Tommy Bunz was executed flawlessly. Just like that, Earl Simmons had now become an international superstar.

In 1999, he raised the bar even higher. His third best-selling masterpiece “…And Then There Was X” skyrocketing up the charts becoming his third album to debut at number one on Billboard 200 ultimately selling over 6 million albums! The song “What These B*tches Want” ft Cisco also signed to Def Jam was the silent assassin single that buzzed in every car that passed. Shortly after countless movie roles poured in. In 2000, DMX stared alongside Asian star Jet Li in what became a breakout role in the American Film Industry in “Romeo Must Die”.

The roles got even bigger in 2001. He stared beside international superstar Steven Segal in “Exit Wounds” Permanently validating Earl as a Hollywood actor.

Of course, all this success did not come without the typical celebrity woes. You can’t have light without heat. The challenges he faced in his personal life did its best to propel the multi-platinum superstar off course. Instead, he focused his energy on the music and release of his 4th studio album in 2001 titled “The Great Depression”. It became his 4th studio album to debut at number 1 on the Billboard 200 with magnetic singles like “Who We Be” and “We Right Here”. Although certified triple platinum it wasn’t the sales the Hip Hop genius was used to.

DMX released a fifth studio album in 2003 titled “Grand Champ”. The God he’s often heard preaching about was definitely on his side. Once again his album debut at number 1 on the Billboard 200! Disputed the challenges he faced Earl become the first artist in history to release 5 consecutive studio albums to debut at number 1! Spiritually the number 5 stands for “Grace”. The grace that covers during weakness, trials, and tribulations. “Where The Hood At” was an ultrasonic clarion call of support for anyone who’s ever rocked with him as an artist. Especially after he then announced that this was the final masterpiece from the genius and he’d soon retire from Hip Hop.

In 2006, DMX signed with Columbia Records releasing album number 6 “Year Of The Dog… Again” debuted at number 2 only a couple hundred copies shy of hitting number one on Billboard 200. In 2008 Def Jam released 2 compilation albums, Greatest Hits “The Definition Of X” and ” The Best Of DMX”.

During this time Earl was searching for guidance and leaning strongly on his faith. In 2009 he decided he would pursue preaching spending most of his time studying scripture and following God’s call on his life. Still having a love for music, Earl vowed production was still on the table.

In 2011 DMX reemerged performing at the BET HipHop awards bearing good news for his diehard fans. Yet again he was working diligently on his 7th studio album titled “The Weight In” which became an EP he digitally released in May of 2012.

Later that year September 2012 Undisputed was released after signing an album deal with Seven Arts Ent. After Seven Arts illegally released Earl’s 8th studio album in 2015 called “Redemption Of The Beast” without contract or permission. Earl Simmons ended his deal with Seven Arts took legal action against the company.

In June of 2016 producer to the stars, Divine Bars produced the single “Blood Red” to rave reviews.

DMX has also stepped back into the lab with prodigious producer Swizz Beatz who I’ve been to the studio with DMX and heard what was nothing short of incredible. They released a song called “Bain is Back”. Swizz states Dr. Dre, as well as Kanye West, would both have their hands in the pot as collaborators on this next project.

Now, in 2019 while working on his 8th studio album you can believe it is nothing less than extraordinary.

Earl has managed to outlast any struggle he’s faced. I always remind him how proud I am of his contributions to this thing we love called Music. The quick whittled sapient punchlines and unmatched showmanship keeps his calendar full to this day with nonstop bookings. The genius from around the way who made something out of nothing, pure grit, fortitude, and endurance as his lyrics state isn’t going anywhere.

The thing about geniuses you never know what they’ll come up with next and you can never EVER count them out! (Story orginally ran in our Sept 2019 music issue)

Priscilla Echi has worked in the High-End Costumer Service Management and Non Profit arena for over 15 years. She has also been around music & fashion for over 20 years. This experience has given her distinctive vision and deep appreciation for how communication through media and non-profit work when managed well, can improve the quality of life in our region, one program at a time.

Our hearts go out to the Yonkers community for the loss of a great icon.

DMX represents the rich arts culture in Yonkers, and we know his legacy will live on in this city and beyond.

We extend our condolences to his family and friends.

DEMOGRAPHICS

GENRE

Male - 42.55%

female - 57.45%

RACE/ETHNICITY/NATIONALITY

Black/ African-American- 62.24%

Hispanic or Latino - 6.12%

White - 23.47%

Asian - 2.04%

Caribbean - 10.20%

Native American - 7.14%

Other - 2.04%

AGE

17 OR YOUNGER- 5.15%

18-20 - 1.03%

21-29 - 4.12%

30-39 - 6.19%

40-49 - 31.96% 50-59 - 29.90% 60 OR OLDER - 21.65%

RATES

Full page – $650.00 (10 1/3″ x 13 1/4″) – inside covers (front and back) $750 – outside Back cover $850

Half page – $375.00′

1/8 page $175.00

-horizontal 5 1/8 x 3″

-vertical 2 3/8 x 6 1/2″

Business Card $75 – Double Business Card Ad $125

***Multiple Month Discount*** For 3,6 and 12 months

Send PDF or JPEG of your business card to AdvertiseWithBW@gmail.com

THREE YEARS STRONG AND COUNTING

About Black Westchester: BlackWestchester.com is a magazine (website) and print newspaper for people of color for Westchester and the Tri-State area of New York at every economic level. Black Westchester is committed to being a platform to profile life, culture, economics, politics, sports, and entertainment and those who are representing vision in these marketplaces and who can both encourage and provide role models to other men and women. Black Westchester, through its online magazine, print newspaper, weekly talk radio show, and editorial content, will be a vessel of community information throughout Westchester and the Tri-State area of New York. Our mission is to promote the concept of “community” through media.

The Black Westchester Newspaper is a monthly newspaper, 10,000 distributed monthly throughout Westchester and Surrounding Areas with a heavy concentration in Mount Vernon, New Rochelle, Yonkers, Elmsford, White Plains, Greenburgh, Peekskill, Tarrytown, NE Bronx, Harlem, Stamford, CT with a slightly smaller presence elsewhere in the county and surrounding areas.

Black Westchester is the best vehicle to reach communities of color throughout the county, but not limited to just communities of color, we have a large non-African-American readership as well.

Black Westchester and the People Before Politics Radio Show started in July and August of 2014 respectively and the print edition started on our threeyear anniversary in August 2017. In such a small amount of time, Black Westchester has heavily influenced the county, public policy, and the elected officials while informing the public in a way that was missing, filling a necessary void.

Democrat - 50.53%

Independent - 25.26%

Something Else - 18.95%

Larger news outlets such as The Journal News (Lohud), News 12 Westchester and Fios1 News, The New York Post, ABC News, and others also follow us and have quoted us for breaking stories that they, in turn, did follow up stories on. Black Westchester is the voice of the voiceless and has covered many stories that other news outlets often overlooked and in turn followed our lead and reported later.

Black Enterprise Magazine reported, “Black buying power currently stands at over 1.1 Trillion dollars annually and is on the road to hit about $1.5 Trillion by 2021. These figures have also been documented by the Huffington Post, The Atlantic, MediaPost.com, Fortune Magazine, and many other respected media outlets. This collective buying power means that nearly 2 Trillion dollars will be flowing through Black American annually very soon, making us a centerpiece for various researchers, marketers, advertisers, and other campaigns designed to influence black spending patterns.

With that said, for businesses who do business and want to do business with communities of color in Westchester County and surrounding areas, advertising with Black Westchester, not only makes dollars but also makes perfect sense. We are the voice of the Black Community.

Sponsorship and advertising are also available in our weekly talk radio show, People Before Politics Radio, where we have been bringing you Real Talk For The Community since 2014.

As Lorraine Lopez was reminiscing about her relationship with DMX’s grandmother, Syrma D. Brandon shared this picture with her. We thought it was fitting to share as we celebrate the Life and Legacy of DMX. Quick online search and I found a November 27, 2002 MTV News article titled, “JAY-Z, DMX, NAPPY ROOTS DO GOOD FOR THE ‘HOOD THIS THANKSGIVING,”

As has been a tradition for the past five years, Yonkers native DMX is paying his doggy dues by hosting the Thanksgiving Dinner With DMX with his music family the Ruff Ryders at the Nepperham Community Center in Yonkers, New York. Four hundred lucky community members will be treated to a soul-food dinner, catered by Harlem eatery Copeland’s, as well as a gift giveaway and a special performance by DMX and other Ruff Ryders artists. DMX will also launch his Mary Ella Foundation, named after his late grandmother. The foundation with give out $500 scholarships to high school and college students and donate computers and clothing to the Nepperham Community Center.

This is just one of the many reasons why so many love DMX, he always thought of others and held it down for Yonkers.

If I could share a reflection with you of one particular moment.

I know the same DMX you all know. DMX the gifted artist. DMX, the good God-loving guy who is so adored by God that the devil couldn’t take it and kept chasing him. But that’s not what I want to share today. I want to share my experience.

I lived on 28 Lamartine Terrace in Yonkers for many years. I had my children while living there. In that same building lived DMX’s grandmother Mary Ella Holloway and great-grandmother Mrs. Todd. I loved them both. When I moved into the building, I was a young mother to be and all alone. They, along with a lady on the first floor Mrs. Jones who was raising her grandchildren, embraced me and gave me a motherly protection that still makes me feel warm inside today as I was the youngest tenant in the establishment, and they took me under their wings.

So I knew his family. I also knew him. But not in any sense other than DMX was their pride and joy, and they loved him so very much. When his grandma died, he came to see his great-grandma as he always did, but his visit was different. I was on the elevator with him and my son Chris who was a wee bit child. DMX was solemn, and I was carrying a plant for his great-grandma. We are on our way to see the same Queen. So he was sad, saw my son and quickly smiled, rubbed his head, said what’s up shawty and proceeded to have a conversation with Chris.

Chris was staring at him in awe, and Earl told him to be good, stay in school and get good grades even complimented Chris’s payless character sneakers. He took the time in the midst of his mourning to make a child’s day and world, as my son has never forgotten that special moment. That’s the DMX I know, the one who has a huge family that no matter what happens, love is love. Sort of like every other family.

My son, Chris’s father, is a tall, handsome African-American businessman with salt and pepper hair and very charming. DMX’s grandma had a huge crush on him. She would take a walk every day up the hill to get her exercise in. On the days she knew he was coming, she would wait for him to come; she had him set like clockwork, and she would sit on the bench and wait. He would pull up and ask her if she needed a ride, and he would take her to the bodega on No. Broadway and bring her back home and carry her bags.

She would blush so much. He made her happy. And she made him even happier as we all adored her. When I moved out to join the City Council after about ten years, I always made it a point to send packages to Mrs. Todd and Mrs. Jones. Returned all the Blessings til they were also called home. And that’s the DMX I know. I know him through the love of his family. The one that is so loved and missed by his family today. The one that has a great-grandmother and grandmother in Heaven that loved him more than you can ever imagine. And those two spectacular and amazing women so filled with wisdom and love are his Angels in Heaven and surely holding him in their bosom as I write this. They’ve got him, mi gente. Please take comfort in knowing that he is in good hands with God and these amazing women.

GROWING UP WITH DMX & HIS YONKERS ANTHEMS: TRUE LEGENDS NEVER DIE

BY DENNIS RICHMOND

Earl “DMX” Simmons departed this life on Friday, April 9th, 2021, in White Plains, New York. It’s surreal for me to be writing this article. Sources across the globe are publishing stories both online and in print about X. Though many sources want to focus on negative aspects of X’s life, I’d like to share the good. I’m a young man from Yonkers, New York who was born in 1995. As such, DMX’s music played a huge role in my childhood. Songs like, “Ruff Ryder’s Anthem” and “Party Up (Up In Here)” were literally, Yonkers Anthem’s. Between Mary J. Blige, DMX, and The LOX, Yonkers became known in the Music World as a respected place for the real. DMX was one of the people who made that happen.

DMX was the type of person who took pictures with his fans. Born in Mount Vernon and raised in Yonkers, his family knew my family for decades. My grandmother, the late Mrs. Joyce Jones would see him when he was a little boy. She lived on 28 Lamartine Terrace in Yonkers. X was never a stranger to where he was from. He always made sure to big up Yonkers up no matter what. He would give children money when they needed it. People across New York have stories about DMX and the amazing person that he was.

DMX and rappers like him; JAY-Z, Jadakiss, Sheek Louch, Styles P, and Busta Rhymes, share one huge personality trait. They always tell the truth in their music. X’s songs carried truth in them, and he wasn’t afraid to let the world know how he felt. Despite everything going on in his personal life, X made sure to always shine on stage and in his music. X’s 1998 debut album It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot was certified 4x Multi-Platinum. His best-selling album …And Then There Was X reached 5x Platinum status. People across the world are mourning the late, LEGENDARY rapper, DMX. Perhaps that feeling is most felt right here in Yonkers. Rest In Peace, X.

SYRMA BRANDON

LORRAINE LOPEZ LATINO EMPOWERMENT

RIP Earl “DMX” Simmons

Rest in peace Earl. You are missed already. Sending prayers, love, and light to his family and all those that loved him.

As the world and the industry mourn the death of DMX, I mourn the loss of Earl Simmons. While I love his music, I loved the man he was even more. I had the proud privilege of working with X to feed the hungry, keep kids safe after school, decrease community violence by mentoring at-risk youth, and working to show love in Yonkers, where I worked for over a decade. His impact on the hip-hop industry can only be eclipsed by his love for family and service to the community. He lived his truth out loud and unapologetically. I respect the truth of his struggle and the darkness of his pain, but moreover, I support the light of his life. I’m glad I got to know the man behind the legend.

On behalf of the City of Mount Vernon, our condolences go out to the Simmons and Copeland family, his extended family in Mount Vernon & Yonkers, and those who enjoy his music worldwide. From the Hilltop to the Home of the Brave to the Hall of Fame, we celebrate the life of DMX.

FORMER MT VERNON MAYOR ANDRÉ WALLACE

Celebrating the life of DMX. I was happy to have the chance to bring him here in 2019 as Mayor to perform for our great city. A wonderful moment for all of us to remember. DMX will surely be missed, however, those memories and moments we shared will forever live on.

DR. TRACI ALEXANDER DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT AT BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF MT VERNON

He introduced me to Children’s Village. That was, maybe twenty something years ago. It was after I received a call from his publicist Mr. Angelo Ellerbee telling me, “X wants to have Thanksgiving Dinner with some of the young men living at Children’s He wants you to set-it-up. He wants to talk to you. Make it happen.” A few days later, I was on the phone with him. He was home, telling me exactly how he wanted the visit go down. He was exact with the details. It was all about making the young men smile. Letting them know they mattered. Loaded with a full camera crew, his crew, team QL, and Children’s Village staff—we created the most memorable, thoughtful and loving Thanksgiving Dinner for a group of young men who happened to be in similar situation like the younger X For some reason he recognized my purpose. Purpose to serve with your work. What I have come to learn since that first time working with X, is that he knew the Lord. Thank you for giving me my wings to rock—my way. I think this was the album that dropped Angelo Ellerbee - one of the minds behind X.

A LEGEND whose LEGACY & MUSIC will last FOREVER

PATTY COOMBS

COMMUNITY ACTIVIST, ORGANIZER AND LIFELONG DMX FAN

SCHOOL STREET - HOME OF THE BRAVE

BY AJ WOODSON

(Continued from page 18)

Enduring a system designed to annihilate the spirit, somehow X remained defiantly radiant and became an inspiration for his generation and thought more for others than he did himself. He touched everyone he encountered.

“The nuance required to understand a man like Earl Simmons has never existed in American popular culture. And still, DMX seemed unfazed,” Rolling Stone wrote. “The late MC struggled against a world that tried to box him in, both figuratively and literally. He leaves behind a legacy of breaking free.”

While many others become successful and make a mass exodus out the hood, he never forgot where he came from, he repped Yonkers, he repped School Street all over the world and that’s why the vigil at School Street was more special than the others and that’s why everyone holds a special place for him in their hearts. It was bigger than HipHop for everyone there, X was family! He was the hometown hero, one of them that made it and never forgot about them. School Street created the emcee who we came to know as DMX and he referenced it in more rhymes than I can count.

“School Street I rep that...” (Give ’Em What They Want). On Wednesday, April 14th, The memory of DMX filled the air in Yonkers, on Tuesday evening as more than a thousand people gathered to honor their hometown icon. Red balloons were released into the air and rows of red candles were lit along the sidewalk outside the complex where DMX grew up.

DMX will forever be memorialized at School Street. On the People Before Politics Radio DJKool Kutz informed that the artist who created the Nipsey Hussle mural in Compton and the artist who created the Big L mural in Harlem will be working this week to create a DMX mural at School Street. He shared that from the initial artwork he viewed just before the show, the mural will be incredible. He will be playing music this weekend, Saturday, and Sunday at School Street for the mural unveiling. Like the Nipsey Hussle and Big L mural people will come from all over the world to take pictures in front of the new School Street mural.

In closing, I end with the words of Lorraine Lopex which basically sums it all up. “School Street meant everything to DMX and DMX means and will always mean everything to School Street!

KEVIN MCGILL - PHOTOGRAPHER AND PROFESSOR BIG HOMIE

X said, “You still looking good and dressing nice Homie!” Much love to you X!

DJ SUPERIOR

R.I.P and God bless you Dog and thank you for everything you have done for Yonkers

BLACK WESTCHESTER CELEBRATES THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF EARL ‘DMX’SIMMONS

Five Towns: One Book

Bringing our communities together for an important conversation around CASTE by Isabel Wilkerson

CASTE explores through an immersive deeply researched narrative and stories about real people, how America today and throughout its history has been shaped by a hidden caste system, a rigid hierarchy of human rankings. Isabel Wilkerson, winner of the Pulitzer Prize and the National Humanities Medal, is the author of the critically acclaimed, New York Times bestsellers The Warmth of Other Suns, and Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents

Copies of CASTE are available via your local library.

Place a hold via the Westchester Library System’s online catalog or download the ebook via Overdrive. Contact your local library for assistance. Recording of this event is not permitted. For more information on this Speaker, please visit prhspeakers.com

April 8th 7-8 pm, Chapter 8: Let's discuss Jim Crow & Nazi Germany

Facilitated by Rabbi Jeffrey Sirkman, Larchmont Temple and Reverend Dr. William P. Crawford, formerly of Larchmont Avenue Church

April 17th 4-5pm, Chapter 11: Let's discuss White America

Facilitated by Cyndi Carnaghi-Collins, LCSW and core trainer for PISAB and Tonia Spence, LCSW & MSED

April 28th 1-2pm, Chapter 6: Let's discuss How We Measure Humanity

Facilitated by Jountel White, DEI and Social Impact Strategist

May 3rd 7-8pm, Chapter 31: Let's discuss Personal Connection and Change

Facilitated by Lori Rotskoff, Cultural Historian, Author and Teacher

JOIN these additional facilitated talks about CASTE Please note: Isabel Wilkerson will not be present for these talks REGISTER

Sponsored by CURE: The Coalition for Understanding Racism through Education in partnership with these

Photo by Joe Henson

A Diverse Workforce for a Diverse County

Dr. DaMia Harris-Madden, Executive Director of the Westchester County Youth Bureau feels strong about being a servant leader. “A servant-leader is one who is a passionate leader. One who is enthusiastic about the work but who really leads from the heart,” Harris-Madden explained.

As Executive Director, she is responsible for advising the County Executive, elected officials and other key stakeholders of the needs of Westchester’s children, youth and families. She juggles her demanding job with a busy family life – Harris-Madden is the proud mother of three girls ages four, six and 14. “It’s inherent for me to want to help young people, to help the residents of Westchester County. But also, to leave a footprint so that someone remembers me as having an impact on their life. Being able to serve hundreds of thousands of Westchester’s children and families means a lot to me,” she said.

Harris-Madden’s work is rooted in making sure young people have the skills and support needed to succeed. The workforce development efforts she oversees are focused on making sure young people have the practical experience and interpersonal skills that will enable them to find careers in high-growth industries and obtain eventual self-sufficiency.

Having worked in both the private and public sector, Harris-Madden noted that there are rewarding career opportunities in government for beginners and job-changers, including in challenging fields such as science, technology and engineering. “Diversity goes beyond putting a black or brown face in a position to actually embracing the idea of inclusion and belongingness,” Harris-Madden said.

To receive notifications of all upcoming civil service exams, people can sign up to receive email notifications at https://exams.westchestergov.com/webexam/emailSubscription/subscribe.htm.

“Do dirt, get dirt. So I treat people with the same respect that I want.”

– Earl ‘DMX’ Simmons

COMPLIMENTARY APRIL 15, 2021

Unapologetically Delivering News To Communities Of Color in Westchester & Surrounding Areas