Tis the season for gift-wrapping and for rappers giving.
Here at HHSR, we like to focus on the positive things that athletes and MCs are doing in their communities, rather than pontificating solely on their transgressions like so many other media outlets. With the holiday season in full swing (Happy Kwanzaa!), it’s great to see so many members of the hip-hop community giving back.
Despite dropping a new album, promoting a rap battle between his artist (Lil Sunpe) and Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Desean Jackson’s artist (Retro) and maintaining an ongoing beef with fellow Philly rapper Cassidy, Maybach Music Group rapper Meek Mill found the time to address an issue that really hits home for him.
Meek’s high school alma mater Strawberry Mansion recently announced its closing, along with (at least) 37 other Philly schools, as part of an initiative brought down by the Philadelphia school’s superintendent. Thus, kids will be forced to travel longer distances to and from school and classroom sizes will continue to swell.
Recognizing the potential problems this could create, Meek has not only spoken out against the closings, but he is donating $10,000 to Strawberry Mansion in an effort to keep the school open, while also providing the hoop squad with his line of Puma sneakers.
Sidebar: You may remember Strawberry Mansion’s basketball team from a game played 10 years ago against Akron’s Saint Vincent Saint Mary High School, which featured a promising young ball player named LeBron James. (Shouts to AI in the crowd and to Maureece Rice for crossing up the King).
Meanwhile in Atlanta, rappers 2 Chainz and Young Jeezy brought some of their Christmas spirit to youngsters in the community. Jeezy recently hit up some community centers in and around Atlanta for the third annual “Snow Drive” and provided kids (and parents for that matter) with toys, games and a meet-and-greet with the Snowman himself (#NoFrosty).
Tity 2 Chainz held a Christmas concert for charity on December 23 and literally threw bikes into the crowd (not sure if this was the most efficient way to do it, but his heart was in the right place). His T.R.U. Foundation also held a food and toy drive on Christmas Eve.
Sidebar: Interestingly, all three rappers can be heard on Game’s new Jesus Piece album.
You can shout out your hood on wax all day long, but what these three bosses are doing is the tru definition of putting on for your city.
Special thanks to www.viewhiphop.com and www.allhiphop.com.