KENTUCKY – Hip-hop artists from Kentucky have joined forces to raise money for the relief of those devastated by the powerful tornadoes that hit the region in March.
Local underground artists Rob Jackson and Da’Mon “Jup” Norris have found a way to give back through song. The talented duo pulled together a cast of urban musicians who gave up their time to record the charity single, “Alright”.
“Once we started, this project came together so fast for us,” said Rob Jackson, “We ended up doing a 48-hour studio lock in and this is what we came up with. There is healing and growth in music, and right now this song can help a lot of people cope.”
Recorded at Saint Claire Recording Studios in Lexington, KY, the record features a host of artists, such as Rob Jackson, Jup Norris, CunninLynguist (Deacon the Villian & Natti) and Courtney Campbell.
“Alright” f/ Rob Jackson, CunninLynguists, Jup & Courtney Campbell
“Amazing things happen when people pull together,” said Winn Stephens, spokesperson for the Bluegrass Chapter of the American Red Cross, which is supporting the initiative. “We are as excited as the musicians that put this project together. The possibilities of this project’s reach are endless.”
All proceeds of the song’s sales on iTunes will go to “Kentucky Cares” which supports the relief efforts of the American Red Cross.
“For us, it definitely showed we were moving in the right direction,” said Jup Norris. “This is something we felt from the beginning was going to be good and for them [American Red Cross] to back us and help us help the people in our state, there’s no better feeling”
The devastating tornadoes ripped through the state of Kentucky earlier this month, claiming the lives of at least 24 people, with an estimated 300 injured. The violent storms have destroying thousands of homes.
Although there has been criticism that hip-hop artists do not do enough to support the community, Sheryl Gripper, founder of the Black Women Film Network — which recently honored Judy Mauldin, co-founder of Hip Hop 4 Humanity, at the annual Untold Stories Luncheon in Atlanta — said there are examples like this of artists giving back.
“Judy and other hip-hop artists, including Jermaine Dupri, did a tremendous amount of outreach work following the 9/11 attacks,” Gripper said in an interview with theGrio. “Hip Hop 4 Humanity now provides educational programs for young people who want to learn about the business of entertainment.”
“Alright” is now available on iTunes.
Follow Kunbi Tinuoye on Twitter at @Kunbiti
