Money Makin’ Mob: a Hip-Hop Group’s Impact on Mount Vernon

In 1979, five childhood friends set out to create a hip-hop group that would change the community of the City of Mount Vernon. Inspired by some of the most influential artists of the 1980s and ‘90s, they brought this music genre to the City, using their musical gifts and talents to impact others. First, there was Run D.M.C., then Public Enemy, followed by A Tribe Called Quest, but Mount Vernon had its very own hip-hop representation: those five childhood friends, the Money Makin’ Mob (MMM).

In the 1980s, the Money Makin’ Mob brought the party to Westchester County. They performed alongside some of hip-hops leading groups and gained a huge following, cementing their place in Mount Vernon history. However, by the end of the decade, the group split up to pursue each of their individual and career goals. Between them, they built families, went to college and served their country.

After a 20-year hiatus, the Money Makin’ Mob returned to the music scene. They were dedicated to impact Mount Vernon and change their role from artists to community leaders. They began their mission in July of 2000 by creating the first Hip-Hop Community Cookout, which took place on July 7 of this year. The event, which was supported by one of ArtsWestchester’s Arts Alive grants, annually brings almost 1,000 residents from the City of Mount Vernon and all over the nation. Featuring performances from some of Mount Vernon’s hip hop and DJ pioneers, it also became a way to preserve their legacy within the City while giving opportunities for new age artists to perform and share their talents. The cookout also serves as an awards ceremony recognizing the year’s top hip-hop artists and DJs for their contributions to the world of hip-hop in Mount Vernon.

The Money Makin’ Mob’s mission is to create positive hip-hop-focused programs for underprivileged families. It also aims to bring Mount Vernon’s diverse communities, rich in African American, Caribbean, Dominican, Puerto Rican, South American and West African cultures, together through the love of hip-hop culture.  The group wishes to educate the youth about the local hip-hop history and encourage others to follow in their footsteps by providing a supportive platform for in which they can grow as artists and members of the community.

The golden age of hip-hop was about bringing an innovative, diverse style of music to the people while representing the ever-changing African-American culture. And much like the artists they grew up listening to, the Money Makin’ Mob is impacting the lives of the people within their community, just as they dreamed of doing 30 years ago. Lefty Wilkins from Money Makin’ Mob will be honored on September 8 at DJ-Con, which will focus on “the impact of house music on hip-hop.”

This blog is part of a “Student Voices” series that presents blog posts from college students about local arts events and exhibitions. James Best is a student at Pace University.