Keepers of the Art

KRS-One set to bless Lock3 Akron - The 20th Anniversary of The

STOP THE VIOLENCE MOVEMENT at The 2nd Annual Akron Hip Hop Showcase

In these cynical times, KRS-One is an inspiring example of the role music can play in social discourse. A self-described teacher whose Boogie Down Productions (BDP) has been an important influence on Hip-Hop and rap alike, KRS-One has survived street life, prison, homelessness, the murder of a close friend, and negative criticism to emerge as one of Hip-Hop's most powerful figures. While many of his contemporaries have confined their lyrics to boasting and glorifying gunplay, KRS-One, has always considered his time on the mic as an opportunity to enlighten his listeners both politically and socially. His booming voice and skillful rhyming have helped him achieve levels not many artists have seen, and he has used his influence to build projects that stress dignity, self-worth, the acquisition of knowledge, and otherwise advance his humanistic views.- READ MORE

The DEATH OF A LEGEND (August 29, 1958-June 25, 2009). Michael Jackson's sound, style and moves inspired subsequent generations of pop, soul, R&B and Hip-Hop artists all over the world. This once-in-a-lifetime talent will truly be missed.

Relevant Education

"I believe H.E.L.P. is on the cutting edge with their materials to reach our youth. The program is culturally relevant and can reduce the dropout rate." -Dr. Jawanza Kunjufu, author of Hip Hop Street Curriculum
Teachers frequently worry about how to keep their students interested in learning and struggle to compete against the world outside school. READ MORE

FEATURE

21 MUST HAVE HIP HOP ALBUMS!

Hip-Hop has been blowing minds since the mid-'70s, and since that time its artists have dropped loads of classic discs. There aren't many people who'd want to live in a world without It Takes a Nation of Millions To Hold Us Back or Three Feet High And Rising. Great records are released every year, marking Hip Hop's organic evolution. From the street beat days to backpacker grooves to political manifestos to the Hot 'Lanta heroes, here are 21 titles that should be in every collection.