When you talk about the golden era of hip-hop in Yonkers, one name always rises to the top — School 12.

Before record deals, before fame, and long before viral moments, this humble school gym was the heartbeat of a movement. Recently, Jadakiss of The Lox spoke on the significance of School 12, confirming what local legends have always known: this was the proving ground where the best emcees in the city sharpened their skills — including the late, great DMX.

“School 12 Was It” — Where Legends Were Made

In our exclusive WorldWide Entertainment TV conversation with Yonkers’ 1st Lady, Ms. Goldi2U, and Sauce Dorsey, the energy of those early days came flooding back.

“For us, School 12 was it,” Ms. Goldi2U said. “It was where you got to be any agent and attend a party. If you were an emcee and got the chance to even touch the mic at School 12 — that was everything. Big shout out to DJ Superior. He put that together, giving young people a positive outlet to hone their craft.”

Sauce Dorsey added with a smile,

“If you missed a School 12 party, you heard about it Monday morning. You almost didn’t want to go to school because you’d hear what went down — the battles, the freestyles, the moments. That’s where DMX became a star before his record deal.”

The two paint a vivid picture of a time when community events and music culture merged — before social media, before the mainstream spotlight.

DMX: The Star of Yonkers Before the Fame

Jadakiss, reflecting on that era, confirmed the same truth. “DMX was already a star,” he shared. At School 12, DMX’s voice, presence, and passion made him stand out from the rest.

It wasn’t just about battling — it was about commanding the room. Whether it was a freestyle cypher, a DJ set, or a local showcase, DMX had an undeniable energy that demanded attention. School 12 was his stage before the world became his arena.

The DJs, The Energy, and The Culture

Much of this movement traces back to DJ Superior, the visionary who transformed School 12 into more than just a party spot. It became a creative hub — a place for young artists to practice, perform, and be heard.
He gave structure to the chaos, curating an environment where battling emcees could grow into performers, and performers could grow into stars.

That formula — passion, opportunity, and community — became the DNA of Yonkers hip-hop. It’s what produced acts like The Lox, DMX, Mary J. Blige, and countless others who carried the Yonkers sound to the world.

 Honoring the Legacy

Looking back, it’s clear that School 12 was more than a location — it was a launchpad.
It gave birth to legends, nurtured competition, and became a cultural landmark that still echoes through today’s music.

As Ms. Goldi2U puts it:

“Those nights weren’t just parties — they were history in the making. School 12 built us.”

Conclusion: From School 12 to Global Stages

From the gritty cyphers of School 12 to the Grammys and sold-out arenas, the journey of Yonkers hip-hop is a story of community and culture coming together.
Jadakiss, DMX, and pioneers like Ms. Goldi2U and Sauce Dorsey prove that real artistry starts at the roots — and those roots run deep in Yonkers.

As the city continues to produce new talent, the legacy of School 12 reminds us that greatness doesn’t start in a studio — it starts wherever someone dares to grab the mic and speak truth.