On October 30, rapper and K.A.R. member Mike Beck was tragically shot and killed in Brooklyn during a robbery attempt
As a Brooklyn native, Maino was heavily impacted by the alarming news and has decided, along with music executive Littles, to honor the fallen Beck with a unity concert titled “Self Destruction.”
Taking place on Monday, November 23 at the Imperial Nightclub in New York at 9, the concert’s overall purpose is to serve as an outlet to raise funds for Beck’s 10-year-old son’s college fund.
Rappers such as Saigon, Hell Rell, Uncle Murda, Grafh and Cadillach Tah will also be there to show their support as reports have stated that fthey will perform at the event.
In terms of who will host, the driver’s seat will be handled by Hot 97’s DJ Kay Slay and K. Foxx, along with Fust TV radio personality Dee Vazquez.
Along with the performances, there will also be a number of speakers prior to the acts that will voice their opinion while they address the violence that continues to take victims from the community.
During a dicussion with MTV, Maino spoke on his past relationship with Beck.
“Mick Beck was a good friend of mine outside of music. It’s sad because it’s hard making the transition from the streets to the music industry, so this could have been me five years ago when I didn’t have a deal. When I was coming up, I fought the same demons trying to convert from one lifestyle, which was my street upbringing, to the next, that being entertainment…living right and steering clear of the streets, roadblocks and downfalls.”
“I felt doing this show was the least I could do for a friend. I’m raising money to send his 10-year-old son to college. What’s the point in me making it out of the same web he was fatally trapped in if I can’t give back? This is what real people are supposed to do: give back.”
It is always a good look to know that rappers are more than just entertainers and that they maintain true relationships outside of the industry. Maybe by leading the example, the unity of rappers will finally find a way to steer the youth in a more positive direction and end the chaos.
