#HipHop4Flint Raises Awareness – and Funds – in New York City

Independent artists, underground legends and veteran hip-hop heavyweights, including Mr. Cheeks of the Lost Boyz, Lord Jamar and Sadat X of Brand Nubian, and legendary DJ icon Grand Wizzard Theodore, all hit the SOBs stage over the course of the evening, dedicating their time to raise awareness, and funds, to help those affected by the Flint water crisis.

The night was part of a large, multi-city network of events urging communities from all over the country to use the collective power of hip-hop to spread the word, raise money and influence others to do the same, in the face of the difficulties facing the people of Flint, Michigan.

Mainstays of the New York hip-hop underground, including artists like Poison Pen, Mysonne, Sav Killz and Skyzoo the were among the artists who performed, while Frank Knight, Quadir Lateef, Napoleon Da Legend, GED, Division X, SitcomLife and poet/MC Nene Ali rounded out a packed and diverse lineup.

DJ J-Ronin (All Elements), who helped orchestrate the event assisted on the ones and twos, as did France’s DJ Poska. Others who helped make the event possible included advocacy group Justice League NYC, Big Jeff Entertainment, Danny Castro (Castro Co., Lyricists Lounge) and Queen Yonasda, who was the movement’s national organizer.

The performer Dylan — who many will remember from his days on the MTV reality show Making The Band — came out of relative obscurity and delivered an emphatic, Caribbean-twinged performance, as did Brooklyn-by-way-of-Michigan-and-Florida spitstress, Nitty Scott, MC.

In the end, the audience was treated to a wide array of talented, energetic displays of rap artistry for a good cause. There were no guest lists, no pretentiousness, nothing but music and a community vibe to support a great cause.

As the night wound down, it was clear that New York City’s hip-hop scene continues to be a vibrant, connected tapestry of participants and admirers who are not only concerned with the continuation and the legacy of the music and culture they hold dear, but with the problems facing other communities, near and far, hip-hop or not.

For more on the movement, visit www.hiphop4flint.com

View more images from the event below, courtesy of Fly Dii Photography.

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