Soundcheck: Charity Cases – Hip Hop Heroes Give Back
posted in: Music News • Urban
Although hip hop headlines usually highlight a new album, or the latest antics of riled up rappers; Lupe Fiasco gave people something else to talk about last week.
His charity, The Lupe Fiasco Foundation, launched Block By Block, an initiative he pledged would feed 100 hungry Chicagoans a day for the rest of August. We basically go and just provide hot meals to different parts of the community around the city. He told WGCI’s The Morning Riot. Basically, we just feeding 100 people every day until the end of the month. And hopefully we’ll expand it. So last year, we just did it for a day. This year, we’re doing it for fifteen, twenty days, and hopefully, it’s something that we keep expanding on. It’s one of the little initiatives we do. The foundation also supports educational programs and has a broader goal of empowering kids and young adults.
Photo: John Clarke Russ - Bangor Daily News
Lupe launched The Lupe Fiasco Foundation back in March, on the heels of his Lasers album release, announcing the launch at Chicago’s House of Blues. Prior to that, the rapper had been a huge hometown supporter since 2003, and partnered with organizations like the New Birth Christian Center and West Englewood Methodist Church to give groceries to Austin residents. Last year, he teamed up with Rhymefest (who was running for public office) for Vote To Eat, a campaign that provided registered voters a meal of turkey & cheesecake over the Thanksgiving holiday. Current initiatives for the foundation include The Little Man Project, The Youth Committee, Jaco Scholarship Fund and Off The Block programs.
It’s nice to know that Lupe isn’t all talk, and that his thought-provoking, conscious lyrics translate to his real life. His outspoken attitude toward the education system, and political climate in our country is backed by real action in the community. While his activism isn’t a surprise, he shares his do-gooder title with some of hip hop’s biggest stars.
Beyoncé is one of music’s biggest voices and biggest givers. She supports numerous organizations and has donated millions of dollars to causes around the globe. In 2005, she was named Ambassador for World Children’s Day, eventually releasing her single, Stand Up For Love as the official anthem for the annual event.
She has donated all proceeds from countless shows to aid in disaster relief, such as the earthquake in Haiti, the tsunami in Japan, and hurricane Katrina relief. She has also participated in major disaster relief telethons such as Hope For Haiti, alongside heavy-hitters like husband, Jay-Z, Wyclef Jean, Mary J. Blige, Bono and Rihanna. She and Kelly Rowland head up their own organization, The Survivor Foundation, to provide ongoing relief for Hurrican Katrina victims including pre-concert food drives and the Music World Cares Christmas Carnival.
Not to be out done by his wife is Hova, who does his fair share of giving back as well. Over the years, Jay-Z has donated millions to educational programs, community organizations and national organizations like Boys & Girls Club of America and The Grammy Foundation. In his 2006 MTV documentary, Water For Life, Jay-Z traveled to South Africa to bring attention the global water crisis and dedicated a world tour to Playpumps, an organization committed to providing clean water sources to millions of Africans. Like his wife, he participates in disaster relief concerts and telethons, donating proceeds from specific shows to specific funds. In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, he donated $1 million to the Red Cross to aid in relief efforts in New Orleans.
In his most recent philanthropic endeavor, Jay teamed up with Kanye West to turn trash into treasure, literally. In their music video for their Watch The Throne single, Otis, the pair destroy a $373,000 Maybach. Now, they are auctioning off the mangled masterpiece and donating the proceeds to the East African water crisis.