Peace!
Recently, there was a video released called "Self Construction: The Preview" which was a branch of "Self Destruction," a track that was a reflection of the Stop The Violence Movement (STVM) headed by KRS-One. STVM started in 1987 after Afrika Bambaataa (the pioneer of Hip Hop) called a meeting about the Hip Hop Community becoming a bit more involved in political and social issues. KRS was inspired and created a track called, "Self Destruction," along with legendary Hip Hop author, Nelson George and A&R and VP of Jive Records (at the time) Ann Carli. The song became so big, that they decided to create a movement. It worked. Proceeds from the song went to the National Urban League and being political or conscious became cool. The song was also a reflection of a violent act that went down at a Hip Hop show.
I remember the song. I had to have been four or five, yet my first memories of Hip Hop stem from political edgy Hip Hop, that was bold and free. Shout out to Public Enemy for the inspiration. :0) Here's the video:
The dope thing about the version from the 80's was that they had people in it who really was showing and proving. The 2008 version is also attempt to do the same thing. I hope these set of rappers motivate, shape and are aware of the way that they illustrate their art. BTW, its good to see Nelly and KRS working together.
It's 2008 and KRS-One along with other faces decided to come together again, and do a song called, "Self Construction," which is an updated version of the same notion. For more information about events, panel discussions, your contributions and/or the project go to: http://www.stvmovement.com.
As shown on HIPHOPDX, here's the "Self Construction":
One thing that sticks out in my mind when I think of KRS-One is when he said that the thing that the people underestimated about Hip Hop, was the power of the human voice. Our voices, written words and music can impact millions. Be aware at all times. :0) There is also a "Stop the Violence" STATE OF EMERGENCY conference in Omaha, Nebraska set up by the National Hip Hop Political Convention (NHHPC) March 20-23 at the University of Nebraska. This event is going to be bananas. Here's the site: http://www.nhhpc.org/soe
With that, the question I pose is...
Do you think the STVM in 2008 can be as successful as the one in 88/89?
LET ME KNOW. PEACE.
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