For weeks, we've been mulling ways to curb the community violence that has taken the lives of so many Chicago children, including the very recent and high-profile beating death of Fenger High school student Derrion Albert.
Here at the Kyles Files, caring locals and even community activists have written in with practical ideas about how we Average Joes and Janes can help. I've signed up for several initiatives, and hope others follow through as well. I'll keep adding suggestions as I get more, so keep sending them.
Now it's time for some star power.
Missippi rapper David Banner teamed up with Rhymefest, Naledge, Twista and Skooda Chose to release a song and video, "Something's Wrong."
David Banner
The powerful track, which you can hear after the jump, draws attention to what's ailing our cities and raises some interesting points about the conditions that contribute to community violence. Pop the trunk to get more intel on what these courageous rappers are doing right here in the city today....
First things first, check out the song. I really like it, particularly some of the points that Rhymefest -- also an activist on behalf of youth -- makes in his rhyme.
"Something's Wrong" David Banner, Rhymefest, Twista, Naledge, Skooda Chose and Twista
Now that you've digested the musical message, here are some quick tidbits I got from talking to both Rhymefest and David Banner yesterday by phone. Both MCs have their own angles on what's going on, and what can be done to stop it.
Here's what David Banner told me about the finger-pointing going on when it comes to community trouble:
"The one thing I hate about politics and politicians is that they try to point the finger at children. They never talk about the lack of jobs, the lack of recreation, the poor school systems and the environment that is conducive to violence. Who would I be to come out of that environment and point fingers at kids who are only responding to their environment? Innocent children are bystanders affected by the byproducts of the neighborhoods."
Banner further called for corporate responsibility, questioning why everyone wants rappers to stand up and chime in when it comes to issues like the beating that claimed Albert's life. He doesn't say they have no responsibility, but despite their celeb wattage, they lack the resources to do what, say, a huge company could do.
Rhymefest, on the other hand, does see significant responsibility in the hands of rappers, but only as part of the larger group of entertainers. He said he is sickened by celebrities -- athletes included-- who say their only job is to "throw a ball" or "make a song" and that they don't owe anything to the communities they came from. Here's a 'Fest highlight about Banner taking up this cause:
"It's disappointing that high-profile Chicago artists have not led a movement to do anything...that somebody from outside the city is creating a movement, making a song and bringing attention to what's going on in Chicago. We have to start making time. Everyone is going to say they're busy. ....But my community is calling me. We make time for women, make time for nonsense, make time for the club, but we're too busy for our kids? Not just our biological kids, but those children who look to us as role models."
You tell 'em, Banner and Fest! Come back to the Kyles Files for more updates. I'm going to go on location at the video shoot and bring you back more details, as well as information on how the community at large can get involved with this initiative. Stay tuned...
Allow me to be the first to say: It's hilarious how everyone takes a dump on rap/hip-hop for it's content, but when the artists themselves take a stand, the coverage looks like a tumbleweed festival. Bravo to these guys, and let's hope more rappers/singers/rappas ternt sangas step up to the plate!
Hey man, it's no tumbleweed on the RedEye end. And we will definitely keep covering this issue. It's very important and I'm proud of these rappers and entertainers for getting, and staying, involved. Thanks for weighing in EW!
Amazing! Read up on it on Rhymefest El Che. I am all for the cause! An advocate for positive vibes, I can only appreciate the cipher coming together to make a positive impact on music today. I for one take this issue very personal. On a daily basis I speak to no less than one person or more about the negative effects of commercial hip-hop and R&B. Lyrical content and soul has taken a back to seat to “devoid of” and “ass clapping.” Does anybody have a brain? Gee-whiz! I spin Rhymefest, J.Electronica, Blu, B.O.B and Brooklyn's finest, Joell Ortiz who keeps it rugged raw, and among these artists not one will you hear on the radio because of the revolution that would stem from the kinetic energy. Lyrical content is lacking! I live in Brooklyn but of Southern root and I can honestly say music has become corrupt with superficiality and empty boast. The same repetitious empty songs spin penetrating the young minds of today leading them astray while bamboozling soulfully.
I support and respect what these brothers are doing to stimulate thought and mental faculties.
Thankfully…Hip-hop can’t die because it is a spirit. Joell Ortiz
Hey there SouledOut:
I cannot stand ignorant rap, as evident elsewhere in this blog, but I will forgive them for making a ringtone rap if they are willing to stand up for their community. I do agree with David Banner that more individuals other than rappers need to be taken to task and take some responsibility for these communities. I have pledged to take more action in Chicago myself and as the links above show, encouraged others to do the same. I do wish that the music you mention above were the mainstream and the current radio rulers the minority, but it'll take a lot to change that. Thanks for commenting!
I love the fact that finally there is action being taken. Im only 18 and just graduated from High school on the Southeast side. Let me just tell you I came from a very violent high school. Fights in the cafeteria or outside was a norm. I hated when racial tensions were felt in school. My school has already been on the news several times and a paticular fight caugh on tape as well. I grew with violence but fortunate enough not be pulled in with it. I fear my younger brother or cousin attending the school but it’s the only public school that’s near. I hope other mentors or role models us kids look at take action. I know coming from me I would actually feel like they care and that someone is willing to start a movement that needs to begin.
Hi there!
Thank you so much for the comment, clomeli2. We will definitely keep the pressure up on this issue. I know I plan to take personal action and hope that those others hold up as role models will do the same to help kids. I hope your cousin and brother stay safe, too.
This is awesome and I love the song!!! Keep your eyes open for the Stop The Silence Benefit Concert being held on 12/17th at the Abby Pub (18+). Popular local Chicago Hip Hop Artist Drunken Monkee,Ghosthouse, Blunt Crew, Primeridian, FM Supreme, Christopher LeMark, Phillip Morris and Unmuvabo team up to make noise against the terror rolling thru our city. The proceeds will benefit one charitable organization. Keep up the good work and I look forward to the continued awareness around this topic.
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7 Comments
ErnestWilkins said:
Allow me to be the first to say: It's hilarious how everyone takes a dump on rap/hip-hop for it's content, but when the artists themselves take a stand, the coverage looks like a tumbleweed festival. Bravo to these guys, and let's hope more rappers/singers/rappas ternt sangas step up to the plate!
Kyra Kyles said:
Hey man, it's no tumbleweed on the RedEye end. And we will definitely keep covering this issue. It's very important and I'm proud of these rappers and entertainers for getting, and staying, involved. Thanks for weighing in EW!
souledout said:
Amazing! Read up on it on Rhymefest El Che. I am all for the cause! An advocate for positive vibes, I can only appreciate the cipher coming together to make a positive impact on music today. I for one take this issue very personal. On a daily basis I speak to no less than one person or more about the negative effects of commercial hip-hop and R&B. Lyrical content and soul has taken a back to seat to “devoid of” and “ass clapping.” Does anybody have a brain? Gee-whiz! I spin Rhymefest, J.Electronica, Blu, B.O.B and Brooklyn's finest, Joell Ortiz who keeps it rugged raw, and among these artists not one will you hear on the radio because of the revolution that would stem from the kinetic energy. Lyrical content is lacking! I live in Brooklyn but of Southern root and I can honestly say music has become corrupt with superficiality and empty boast. The same repetitious empty songs spin penetrating the young minds of today leading them astray while bamboozling soulfully.
I support and respect what these brothers are doing to stimulate thought and mental faculties.
Thankfully…Hip-hop can’t die because it is a spirit. Joell Ortiz
I got you!
SouledOut
Kyra Kyles said:
Hey there SouledOut:
I cannot stand ignorant rap, as evident elsewhere in this blog, but I will forgive them for making a ringtone rap if they are willing to stand up for their community. I do agree with David Banner that more individuals other than rappers need to be taken to task and take some responsibility for these communities. I have pledged to take more action in Chicago myself and as the links above show, encouraged others to do the same. I do wish that the music you mention above were the mainstream and the current radio rulers the minority, but it'll take a lot to change that. Thanks for commenting!
clomeli2 said:
I love the fact that finally there is action being taken. Im only 18 and just graduated from High school on the Southeast side. Let me just tell you I came from a very violent high school. Fights in the cafeteria or outside was a norm. I hated when racial tensions were felt in school. My school has already been on the news several times and a paticular fight caugh on tape as well. I grew with violence but fortunate enough not be pulled in with it. I fear my younger brother or cousin attending the school but it’s the only public school that’s near. I hope other mentors or role models us kids look at take action. I know coming from me I would actually feel like they care and that someone is willing to start a movement that needs to begin.
Kyra Kyles said:
Hi there!
Thank you so much for the comment, clomeli2. We will definitely keep the pressure up on this issue. I know I plan to take personal action and hope that those others hold up as role models will do the same to help kids. I hope your cousin and brother stay safe, too.
TeQuila aka UNMUVABO said:
This is awesome and I love the song!!! Keep your eyes open for the Stop The Silence Benefit Concert being held on 12/17th at the Abby Pub (18+). Popular local Chicago Hip Hop Artist Drunken Monkee,Ghosthouse, Blunt Crew, Primeridian, FM Supreme, Christopher LeMark, Phillip Morris and Unmuvabo team up to make noise against the terror rolling thru our city. The proceeds will benefit one charitable organization. Keep up the good work and I look forward to the continued awareness around this topic.
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