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FinalCall.com News
National News
Hip Hop’s response to Ferguson
By FinalCall.com News
Updated Sep 3, 2014 - 6:01:21 PM
The shooting death of Mike Brown, an unarmed Black teen at the hands of a White police officer in Ferguson, Mo., not only galvanized Black youth in America, but also those in the Hip Hop community. Rappers J. Cole, Game, T.I., Jasiri X, Lauren Hill, B.o.B and other artists have released songs and others have taken to social media sites lending their voice and influence to what is shining an international spotlight on the long history of law enforcement abuses and injustices in Black communities in the U.S.
“Be Free” by J. Cole has become an anthem of sorts, dedicated to the slain teen. The rapper also attended a memorial service for Mike Brown and spoke to people in the community.
West Coast rapper Game enlisted the help of several artists including, Diddy, Swizz Beats, Rick Ross, Fabolous, Wale, DJ Khaled, Yo Gotti, and 2 Chainz for a track titled, “Don’t Shoot”. Proceeds from the song will be donated to the Michael Brown Memorial Fund according to reports.
But rap artists are not just voicing frustration and anger over tracks and beats, they have been on the ground level joining community activists in Ferguson, walking and talking with the people. David Banner, Talib Kweli and Nelly who is from St. Louis, were all on the ground in Ferguson.
Others, like Snoop Dogg posted images of themselves on social media with their hands and arms raised in the air. The rapper posted the following via Instagram along with his image:
“Stop don’t shoot. No justice no peace #nwa how many kids we gotta loose [sic] before somethin is done I have sons of my own n I fear for them as well #blackisbeautiful.”
Nelly also took a picture that included Wale, Chris Brown, Bow Wow, Trey Songz, Lil Mama and others after his charity flag football game in Los Angeles with their hands raised high. It has also been reported the St. Louis native, along with T.I., comedian Kevin Hart and the NBA’s Al Jefferson are setting up a scholarship fund in honor of Mike Brown.
