(AllHipHop News) A number of celebrities and rap artists are participating in new campaign to raise awareness about “Conflict Minerals” from the Congo region in Africa.
Over 5 million people have been killed or displaced in just the past decade alone in the Congo, which has infamously been exploited for hundreds of years.
The Raise Hope for Congo Campaign hopes to bring the same visibility to “Conflict Minerals” that “Conflict Diamonds”has around the world.
Three-time Grammy Award winning producer Darius “Deezle” Harris is on board for the campaign.
Deezle, who has worked with artists like Lil’ Wayne, Drake, Nicki Minaj, DMX, said he identified with the campaign, due to his upbringing in new Orleans.
“There’s a place called Congo Square in New Orleans (my hometown). This place was the only place in America that slaves were allowed to have and play their drums on Sunday’s,” Deezle explained. “I feel a kindred connection with the Congo. I also have a friend whose parents died there in the conflict about ten years ago. I understand the need for peace first hand.”
The minerals The Raise Hope for Congo Campaign want to call attention to are tin, tungsten and tantalum.
Other celebrities involved in include Robin Wright, writers of “30 Rock,” and Joel & Benji Madden and others.