Hip-Hop Culture is Occupying
A movement has swept across the globe… that being Occupy Wall Street, the ongoing series of demonstrations beginning September 17th, 2011, in New York City’s Zuccotti Park. The protests have focused on social and economic inequality, high unemployment rates, greed, corruption, and the undue influence of corporations—particularly that of the financial services sector—on government. The protesters’ slogan, “We are the 99%,” makes reference to the growing difference in wealth in the US, between the wealthiest 1% and the rest of the population. Over the past 61 days of this protest, countless amounts of people have united in hopes that their voices are heard.
In the past, hip-hop artists like Public Enemy, Tupac Shakur, N.W.A. and many more, were known to speak out with displeasure concerning the real life situations in the streets and addressing political issues affecting the little man. Hip-Hop Culture, being no stranger to political movements and speaking out, continues to show support of this movement. Representatives of hip-hop have joined the occupiers to show support of the Occupy Wall Street movement. Hip-Hop mogul Russell Simmons has been with the protesters nearly every day, and participated in the march on Wall Street this morning, and plans on participating in the other demonstrations that are scheduled for today for the “Day Of Action.” Jasiri X, a hip-hop artist out of Pittsburgh, PA, known for his political content wrote the song “Occupy – We The 99″ expressing his support. Rapper Lupe Fiasco, who was an initial supporter of the protest, wrote the poem”Moneyman” that speaks to the ones that are being held responsible for the economic state that keeps the protesters moving forward. 50 Cent has openly expressed his frustrations, and considers himself one of the 99% saying:
“We are more powerful than the big business and politicians realize… we have the power to stop buying their products, banking with them. Your dollar, that you worked hard for, does have power. Together we can say – Wake Up A-holes! The game is over.”
Kanye West has also among Hip Hop celebrities that have joined in the Occupy Wall Street protests.
Words by Mz Coffee
Related posts:
- Deer Tick to Play Show in Support of “Occupy Wall Street” Protesters–raise awareness of Police Brutality
- Morello to perform @ Occupy Wall Street
- Deer Tick @ Death By Audio
- Reverend Billy, of The Church of Life After Shopping, Arrested at Occupy Wall Street
