Photo: http://www.hiphopforthepeople.com

Along with Dr. Bill Cosby, Newark Deputy Mayor Ras Baraka, S.O.S., (Saving Our Selves), a gang intervention and prevention program, and hip hop artists and producers, “HIP HOP FOR THE P.E.O.P.L.E” (Providing Education Opportunity, Prosperity and Life Eternally) hopes the enormous influence hip hop has on everyday life will turn into a modern day “peace movement” and quell the rising tide of violence in Newark and cities around the country.

At a recent press conference, the group outlined its objectives, which include advancing proper education and family values, preventing killings among youths, and exposing the truth of gangs—why, when and how they began and how the media has provided an outlet to perpetuate violence and gang lifestyle.

From the beginning, Mr. Cosby has offered financial support and guidance to the group. The famed comedian attended one of the group’s meetings and impressed upon them his vision of the direction hip hop should now go.

Organizers say early next year the group plans to release a CD featuring local artists showcasing their talents with music and spoken word. There will also be political commentary and gang members talking about their situation. Also on the CD will be some well-known hip hop artists, including Treach from Naughty by Nature fame, Joe Budden, Rah Digga and Jaheim.

Although the group has a website (hiphopforthepeople.com) and a CD sampler, news about the group has spread mainly through word of mouth. Nevertheless, in the two months since the group began formal meetings, the project has grown to nearly 60 artists, though only 15 will be on the CD.

Recalling the “Stop the Violence” and “We’re All in the Same Gang” peace efforts of the late 1980s and early 1990s, the deputy mayor says, whereas those projects were separate, “this is a movement.”

Listeners should not expect to find stereotypical hip hop on this CD, says Mr. Baraka. “Hip hop music is being sent to our kids’ homes and used to destroy our community,” he insisted. “We want to use it to rebuild our community.”

As a result, the music will present a positive image of hip hop, as well as suggestions on how to change current situations.

The kind of impact the “Hip Hop for the PEOPLE” hopes to have is evident in the experience of at least one group member. About a year ago, Brother Hahz was caught in the crossfire of a hail of bullets when one struck him an inch from his heart. Following his near-death experience, the 31-year-old says his music has changed in two profound ways.

“My music, it had no substance. It has substance now and I now have God in my life,” he said. After performing his song, “I surrender! I don’t want to be a gang member!” to a group of teens—many of whom are gang members themselves—he says he was mobbed by the audience, with many telling him they also didn’t want to be in gangs, but didn’t know how to get out.

A two-hour feature documentary is also in the works for release next year. It will detail the history of the Bloods and Crips, as well as their evolution from their inception as community and economic groups to their present-day organization.