Music makes #JusticeOrElse more than a moment

By Ashahed M. Muhammad -Assistant Editor- | Last updated: Nov 11, 2015 - 7:56:35 PM

The #JusticeOrElse movement clearly was more than a moment.

During national mobilization efforts for “Justice…Or Else!” the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan and Nation of Islam placed a priority on identifying and energizing youth leadership with support from members of the Hip-Hop community because today’s rappers have more followers on social media—and in real life—than many preachers in America.

He reached many youth through the airwaves after being interviewed by DJ Envy, Charlamagne Tha God and Angela Yee on the popular show, “The Breakfast Club”, and Sway Calloway, host of “Sway In The Morning” on Sirius XM satellite radio, which has over 25 million subscribers, then an interview with one of the most well-known names in urban radio on the West Coast, Big Boy.

Word began to spread like wildfire about 10-10-15 and the enemies of truth were troubled. They became even more concerned when some of the industry’s most popular rappers embraced the Minister and showed support for the #JusticeOrElse movement.

In a serious message delivered directly to members of the Hip-Hop community July 8 and released via social media, Minister Farrakhan spoke of the constant efforts by the enemy to prevent his words of guidance from reaching the youth through the influential and extensive global reach of rappers, he also encouraged members of the Hip-Hop community in each city to make songs speaking to the conditions of the people.

Although Hip-Hop is often criticized for its perceived glorification of sex, violence, guns and drugs, it is easy to forget that many of the most popular artists are fathers, brothers, husbands and many of them are young teenagers themselves in search of mentors and guidance.

Some rappers who met with the Minister took their support a step further, beyond a picture or a social media posting, and followed Min. Farrakhan’s suggestion that they use their influence to create raps to raise awareness and to use their influence to inform the masses.

Artists, better known for describing the gritty tales of what is happening in their cities, in their neighborhoods and on their blocks joined together to call for an end to fratricidal violence and an end to police killing of unarmed Black men and women.

Hip-Hop Activist Antwone Muhammad (also known as Twone Gabz) and producers The Sick One, Da Internz and Xcel were inspired by Min. Farrakhan’s words and efforts. They brought together several Chicago artists to make a song which many consider to be the Hip-Hop theme song for “Justice…Or Else!”

Chicago artists Antwone Muhammad, Chin Chilla Meek, Pyro, Goalden Chyld, K’Valentine, Lil’ Herb, Mic Terror, Teefa, Katie Got Bandz, Chella, Que Billah, GLC, Saba and King Louie joined others in creating a song that will go down in history. Despite his tremendously grueling and busy schedule, Min. Farrakhan’s words are also on the song.

You will often hear it wildly publicized when rappers are doing wrong, but an effort should also be made to applaud them when they are doing something right, such as raising awareness related to inner city wealth discrepancies and joblessness or participating in anti-violence efforts. To hear the #JusticeOrElse song made by the prominent Chicago rappers go to: https://soundcloud.com/amuhammad/antwone-muhammad-sickone-present-justice-or-else.

Other musical efforts connected to the #JusticeOrElse movement included the work of Shaheerah Farrakhan, Min. Farrakhan’s granddaughter, who spearheaded a compilation titled “Justice Or Else: The Underground” consisting of independent artist with all proceeds going towards the Justice Or Else movement. When the project went live, in just a little over 24 hours there were 7,909 views 878 listens and 129 downloads.

A Facebook group titled “Artists for Justice Or Else!” helped generate interest in the project which is now available to be heard via Soundcoud @ https://soundcloud.com/shaheerah-farrakhan.

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