Pioneering rapper KRS-One will launch a counter offense to the growing problem of guns and violence plaguing America and the world, by officially relaunching the Stop The Violence movement, an anti-violence effort led by superstar members of the Hip-Hop community.
The original Stop The Violence movement was launched in 1988 by KRS-One, born Kris Parker, in 1989 in response to growing violence in the hip hop community. The movement and song also unfurled in the aftermath of the death of DJ Scott La Rock, his original partner that was gunned down in 1987.
“The Stop The Violence Movement will be 20 years old in 2009 and what have we learned? The idea is to get started now in 2007, if I want everyone to at least have heard of what Hip-Hop is doing on its own to curb violence and to answer some of the critique that we have been getting,” the Bronx-bred emcee told AllHipHop.com. “It would be at least a year campaign, all of 2008 and lead up to the 2009 anniversary.”
The Stop The Violence Movement produced a Hip-Hop classic titled “Self Destruction,” which featured KRS-One, Stetsasonic, D-Nice, Doug E. Fresh, Ms. Melody, Just Ice, Heavy D, Kool Moe Dee, MC Lyte, Doug E. Fresh, Just-Ice, Heavy D, and Public Enemy.
The Hip-Hop artist/metaphysician is updating The Stop The Violence movement by collecting and producing Public Service Announcements (PSA’s) from various rappers, who all urge the community to stop violent activities over the next year.
So far, KRS-One has enlisted Lil’ Wayne, Ludacris, Pastor Troy, Chingy, Rick Ross, Cassidy, Ludacris, Jalil of Whodini, Hakim of Channel Live and Busta Rhymes have contributed drops and testimonials for The Stop The Violence Movement.
The rapper is planning a “soundtrack” to a developing docudrama that breaks down the concept and history of violence that he hopes will make its way to the big screen.
“[Hip-Hop] can make a difference. We influence every inner-city in the world…it’s like all of us paying attention to a wind that seems to be blowing, a certain attitude about life that we are all kind of feeling. I think everybody wants to see Hip-Hop just balance itself out and grow a little more. It’s good for everybody.”
In related news, Dr. Cornel West presented KRS-One with the “I Am Hip-Hop Icon” Award during the BET Hip-Hop Awards, which aired last night. The award is a lifetime achievement honor to a pioneering Hip-Hop artist.
Click here to listen to Part 1 of the Stop The Violence movement with Krs-One, Fat Joe, Ludacris, Doug E. Fresh and others.
Click here to listen to Part 2 of the Stop The Violence movement with Busta Rhymes, Cassidy, Rick Ross and others who offer testimonials about violence.
“Self Destruction” by the Stop the Violence Movement (1989)