Dancehall is one of the world’s fastest-growing music genres in the world, and some of the biggest names in hip hop and pop music are getting in on the action. But where do we draw the line between appropriation and appreciation?
New York State’s new bail reform bill does away with cash bail in many cases. Supporters say it ends discrimination against low-income people, but critics say it amounts to a get-out-of-jail-free card.
It’s the time of the year for giving back. Many are choosing to make this a meaningful holiday season. But some are taking it a step further and by helping others are transforming lives. Hip hop’s big heart is on display this season.
Volunteers from Run-iT-Up Recordings wrapped toys to be donated to 200 special-needs children in East New York, Brooklyn. It is where hip hop artist Phresher partners with Street Soldiers to make the holiday bright for children who may otherwise get nothing.
“I love people and even more so I love kids—they’re just so innocent,” Phresher said. “So watching them smile and their hearts warm, it makes me melt.”
Fox 5’s own Audrey Puente makes giving back an annual family affair with her daughter Santana and their Layers of Love coat drive.
At Hot 97, Street Soldiers’ Aaniya Johnson and interns wrapped toys donated by the Hip Hop Has Heart Foundation for 97 kids in a Bronx after-school program.
It started with a Thanksgiving turkey giveaway by reformed Bloods and Crips and their family members. And was a big success.
“If we come together we can actually really get things done. We don’t have to come together in some violent situation,” said Kayo So Frosty, a filmmaker and reformed gang member. “We can come together and make everything a positive situation.”
Frosty has partnered with one of the original founders of the Bloods, Soul B., along with his wife Esha Jay. They’re now turning to a Christmas toy and clothing drive with big plans to increase the peace and spread the love.
One of the wonderful things all these efforts have in common is that all the individuals are concerned with making things better for the generation coming up.
LISA EVERS, Host and Executive Producer, Street Soldiers https://twitter.com/lisaevers
At a time when farebeating and possessing marijuana have been decriminalized and crime is at record lows, many New Yorkers were surprised that selling the fried dough sticks known as churros in a subway station could get you cuffed.
Critics say it was over-policing. The NYPD said the officers were just enforcing the law. Arrests in the subway have dropped 24% through Nov. 10, according to the NYPD. But summonses issued for fare evasion has significantly increased to 22,000.
LISA EVERS, Host and Executive Producer, Street Soldiers https://twitter.com/lisaevers
PANEL: Phillip Hamilton, a criminal defense lawyer and civil rights attorney
NYPD Sgt. Ed Mullins, the president of the union Sergeants Benevolent Association
Josmar Rujillo, an activist and co-organizer of Swipe It Forward