Remember when Jay Z sparked a debate about rappers and charity when he announced that his “presence” was charity? Thankfully for us, these guys aren’t as frugal as Hov the MC.
Rappers are frequently chided for excessive balling on wax, promoting a hifalutin lifestyle, and devoid millions of the interest in learning true financial knowledge. Harry Belafonte has taken rappers to task for not doing more in terms of activism and with Maya Angelou’s recent passing, the need for intelligent speakers is at an all-time high.
Contrary to what some may believe, Hip-Hop was built for the people and within it are some pretty decent people. After making millions upon millions of dollars, these mavens within the culture contribute and donate relief efforts to those in need. In lieu of the efforts made by Eminem‘s eBay auction which raised $17K for Detroit, we take a look at other members of the Hip-Hop community who’ve given back over the years.
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G-Unity
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Say what you want about Fif’s pitching arm, he throws charitable amounts of grants at nonprofit organizations that work to improve the quality of life for under-served communities.
USC
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The West Coast super producer is no stranger in giving back, as he and Jimmy Iovine contributed $70 million to a new center at USC.
Sean John For Breast Cancer Care
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Many point to when Diddy ran New York City in the form of raising funds during a marathon. But his wildly slept-on attempt at raising funds for breast cancer awareness and care, it’s not surprising why he just can’t stop, won’t stop.
The Robin Hood Project
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Between September and Christmas of 2013, Jayceon Taylor, better known as The Game, challenged himself to give away $1 million dollars.
The Ludacris Foundation
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Active in the community outside of rap, Chris Bridges created the Ludacris Foundation to inspire youth and foster community economic development.
Give Like a King
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In addition to being one of Hip-Hop’s go-to superheroes, T.I. also gives back to the community in a number of ways. Most notably is his “Give Like a King” campaign, which focused on helping to end homelessness.
American Cancer Society
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The Hip-Hop super producer has his good Samaritan hat on all the time. He’s performed to help raise awareness for the American Cancer Society and worked with the United Nations to promote peace.
The Sean Anderson Foundation
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When you had your life changed in the blink of an eye, you’d want to keep the trend going. Such is so with Big Sean, whose Sean Anderson Foundation was just created to help out his native Detroit.
Save-A-Life
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The Snoopadelic one loves the kids. He’s no stranger in giving back with his annual football league. Most special to Snoop Lion’s heart was being able to hold a charity basketball game for Save-A-Life in his former high school.
Dr. Donda West Foundation
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They got the dropout keeping kids in school, as Kanye West renamed this foundation to honor his late mother. The purpose of the charity is to help combat the severe dropout problem across the United States and usher in the next wave of creativity.
The Dreamville Foundation
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Roc Nation wunderkind J. Cole established the Dreamville Foundation in 2011 to help the youth in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Bridging the young minds to a world full of possibilities has only endeared J. Cole to believe and achieve their dreams.
The Houston Food Bank
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When you’re the powerfully trill OG from Port Arthur, it’s no secret that he’s eating the food off his plate. What you might not know is that the celebrated Hip-Hop legend helps out at Houston’s largest food donation foundation.
4sho4kids
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Marred by the whole “Tip Drill” fiasco, people forget that Nelly contributes greatly to the community at large. His Jes Us 4 Jackie campaign advocates the importance of registering to become a bone marrow donor. Also, his 4sho4kids organization aims to improve the quality of life for children born with developmental disabilities.
The Lupe Fiasco Foundation
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Providing inner city youth with comprehensive positive youth development that encourages educational advancement is the goal of The Lupe Fiasco Foundation. Think about that next time you want to call the guy a name.
Mistah F.A.B.
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Offering free food, community love, and more, The Bay’s own Mistah F.A.B. consistently champions those who are in need and want a better life for themselves.
The Shawn Carter Foundation
Run by Jay Z’s mom, Gloria Carter, the foundation provides scholarships to needy students.
What other rappers do you support their communities? Speak on it in the comments section below!
