 Actor/Comedian Bill
Cosby has joined various Hip-Hop artists, Ras Baraka, and the Deputy Mayor of
Newark, New Jersey, to launch Hip-Hop for the P.E.O.P.L.E. (Providing Education Opportunity, Prosperity and
Life Eternally), a national community
service program aimed at urban youth.
Using music and film, the program's mission is to enlighten inner city youth on the reality of gangs by
tapping into the power of Hip-Hop. It is hoped that Hip-Hop for the P.E.O.P.L.E. will help counteract a recent rise in gang activity on the East Coast. “The concept
of [the] project is to use Hip-Hop as a vehicle to educate on anti-violence
in all forms," Cosby said in a statement.“The City
of Newark appreciates Dr. Cosby’s support in our on-going efforts to combat
gang violence and to take back our communities,” said Baraka. “Through
Hip-Hop, there is no denying that we will get our message across to the youth.”
In addition to
a documentary, Hip-Hop for the
P.E.O.P.L.E will release a compilation CD in early 2005. Both will feature guests Queen Latifah, Wyclef Jean, Rah Digga, Redman and Treach of
Naughty by Nature.
Hip-Hop for the
P.E.O.P.L.E recently released a mixtape featuring local New Jersey artists—Skully,
Money Green, Jace, Alcatraz, Love and Kandi Kane among others.
Black 45 and Biz
Markie DJ/Producer Cool V serve as production coordinators for the project.
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