Common Wants Hip Hop Artists To Help Stop Chicago Violence

by Yohance Kyles

Chief Keef has become one of the public faces to the Chicago violence in the mainstream press because of the references to gun violence in his music and his several run-ins with the law. Common makes the points that rap music is not the root cause of the violence, but the music does impact the minds of young people.

[ALSO READ: Chief Keef Arrested Again]

“To decide to take someone’s life, I don’t think they let a rap song determine that,” said Common, but then adds that the youth are “influenced by that energy and take it the wrong way.”
The “Ghetto Dreams” rhymer offers that more educational programs would play an important part in turning around the current state of violence perpetrated by some young people. He believes that Hip Hop artists should play a greater role in making these changes happen.
Common has already began taking a personal stance to help underprivileged youth with his Common Ground Foundation. The CGF provides programs such as the Dreamers & Believers Summer Youth Camp and a mentoring program for public school students in Chicago. A benefit concert for the non-profit organization was held last night (9/20) at Chicago’s House of Blues.

[ALSO READ: Yancey Boys Release J Dilla Produced Single “Quicksand” Feat. Common & Dezi Paige]

On the Common Ground Foundation Common wrote:

I started the Common Ground Foundation because I wanted to help. Most of all help people to help themselves. I always believed that if we started with the youth then we would be planting the seeds for our future to blossom. Give the children a sense of hope, self-esteem, and love that will better the world…I think making a difference in the lives of others is life’s greatest purpose. I walk this path with faith knowing that the Common Ground Foundation will Change the World.