Jasmine Young, MBA (B.A. ’94), director of the Warner Music/Blavatnik Center for Music Business and professor in the University’s School of Business, was recognized for her “exceptional and outstanding contributions to both the community and the music industry” during a recent tribute to her friend and former charge, the late entertainer DMX.

A Queens native, Young received three separate commendations – one each from the city of Mount Vernon, N.Y.; Westchester County, N.Y.; and the New York State Assembly.

“History has often taught us that the merit of any society can and will be measured by the actions of those individuals who, through unparalleled exhibitions of commitment and dedication to the betterment of society, inspire those of us fortunate enough to bear witness,” reads the proclamation from Westchester County, “and Jasmine Young is just such a person.”

“[I]n Jasmine Young, we have an outstanding individual, one who is worthy of the esteem of both the Community and the great State of New York,” added the New York State Assembly.

The DMX event, held December 21 at Mount Vernon Public Library, honored the life and career of the musician and actor born Earl Simmons. DMX experienced a meteoric rise to fame in both music and film during the late 1990s before personal demons stunted his career, ultimately and tragically claiming his life in 2021 at the age of 41. As something of a 44th birthday party for Simmons, the tribute celebrated his individuality, message, and lasting legacy.

Young, a music and hip-hop industry veteran, came to know Simmons during his rapid ascent, working with him first as a product manager at Ruff Ryders Entertainment and later as senior director of marketing and general manager at his own imprint, Bloodline. The two shared a kinship, Young says, and despite his gruff public persona, she came to know the man in totality.

“I always say that I was DMX’s person on earth,” Young reminisces. “He was my brother; he was my best friend.”

“I always laugh when I tell this story that I literally saw him praying over a bag of M&M's,” Young says. “He was that grateful. Because he grew up the way he grew up, the money didn’t mean a thing to him. He played with toys. He was a giver – he would give the shoes off his feet to somebody. 

“He wanted to please God. He was definitely a light.”

DMX became among the biggest rap artists – if not musicians – in the world, and Young witnessed his apex firsthand. Even decades removed, Young can still hear X’s influence throughout the genre, and particularly in her Warner/Blavatnik Center students.

“Back then, people were saying that [music producer Irv Gotti] was crazy to sign DMX,” Young recalls. “I call myself a forever student of the game. You see the impact of those artists during [DMX’s] time. People take bits and pieces of it: a flow here, a bark here.”