Hip-Hop Summit Implements Strategies To Foster Its Growth, Strengthen Its Impact

Jet, July 2, 2001

Hip hop has become one of the most influential forces in American culture today. Its leaders recognize this and recently gathered for a two-day summit to work on ways to strengthen its presence by taking greater strides at being accountable for the social, political and economic impact the music has on the society at large.

During the first "Hip-Hop Summit: Taking Back Responsibility" at the New York Hilton Hotel, more than 300 musicians, politicians, music executives and religious leaders came together to examine hip hops impact.

"Were not here to clean up rap," said summit organizer Russell Simmons, Rush Communications CEO and Def Jam Records co-founder. "It is a powerful influence in American culture and brought more people together than anything else. Were not here to do anything but celebrate it. I am proud of everything we have accomplished."

Nation of Islam leader Minister Louis Farrakhan, in a keynote address of more than two hours, urged the summiteers to use their leadership by uplifting and guiding the younger generation.

"Youre already the leaders of the world, and its frightening folks in power," said Farrakhan. "Today you have come to a position of power. All over the world, the youth are being moved by you. Youve taken the children of the rich."

The summit focused on resolutions and suggestions and a plan of action for implementation. Points for action consisted of:

* Parental Advisory Labeling

An agreement was reached on creating a voluntary uniform standard for marketing albums with the Parental Advisory Label. All consumer print, television and radio advertising of products with the Parental Advisory Label will contain a depiction of the label or an indication that the album or song being marketed carries the Parental Advisory Label.

* Industry Adoption of Hip-Hop Mentoring Programs

Def Jam introduced a Hip-Hop mentoring program that emphasizes the need for stronger focus on artist development. This program will serve as a new paradigm for the hip hop industry at large.

* Political Empowerment of the Hip-Hop Community

An alliance was formed to help empower and promote the hip hop industry with the NAACP, SCLC, Million Family Movement and Nation of Islam, and Rap the Vote. The Hip-Hop Political Action Committee will educate and address issues important to the hip hop community such as freedom of speech, racial profiling and other issues. A massive Rap the Vote voter registration drive and get out the campaign will be organized for 2002 and 2004 elections. Also, a Hip-Hop think tank will be created with an initial think tank at Columbia University.

Attendees included rappers Ja Rule, Common, Q-Tip, Redman, Kurupt, Kool DJ Red Alert, Grandmaster Flash, Kurtis Blow, Fat Joe and Treach and Vinnie of the rap group Naughty By Nature; hip-hop culturalists Dr. Michael Eric Dyson and Kevin Powell; boxer Lennox Lewis, pioneering MTV rap veejay Fab Five Freddy; music executives Jermaine Dupri (So So Deft, Kevin Liles (Def Jam), Kedar Massenburg (Motown), Steve Stoute (Loud) and Damon Dash (Roc-A-Fella); Congressmen James E. Clyburn (D-SC), Cynthia McKinney (D-GA), Earl Hilliard (D-AL) and Bennie Thompson (D-MS).