The Hip Hop Caucus Grammy Mixer was filled with lively chatter and warmth as hip-hop music filled the atmosphere on Jan. 31. Artists and creatives across the country gathered to celebrate Grammy Week and fellowship with one another.
The Hip Hop Caucus is a nonprofit dedicated to leveraging hip hop, music, and artistry to engage young people in civic engagement, voting rights, and social justice. In a heartwarming speech, Hip Hop Caucus founder and CEO Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr. reflected on the current political state and the responsibility of hip-hop artists to challenge oppressive systems. Yearwood said it is a unique time to be a creative trying to advance the movement for freedom.
“The role of the artist is to make the revolution irresistible. You were born for this moment and we need you now more than ever,” Yearwood said.
Yearwood also acknowledged the ICE raids in Minneapolis and the loss of Los Angeles community leader Shirley Raines who dedicated her life to supporting houseless people on Skid Row. Yearwood said that even in challenging times, artists must use their lyrics to inspire the next generation.
“I know most of you artists, you have been feeling tremendous pain [with] what’s going on in Minneapolis. It’s in Los Angeles that our dear sister [Miss Shirley], who helped the homeless community here on Skid Row,” Yearwood said. “You have an obligation to use your music, lyrics and gifts to speak to the next five-year-olds who will be leading this country.”
Music executive and hip-hop artist Dewan Cross said Hip Hop Caucus helped him find his identity as a musician. He learned that the essence of hip-hop is rooted in moving and educating the masses.
“Since I’ve been working with the Hip Hop Caucus, I’ve been able to find another part of myself I didn’t know existed. Making music with purpose and being able to educate as a creative,” Cross said. “Hip is to inform and hop is the move. So it’s bigger than just the vibes tonight. It’s for us to educate each other and inform.”
The Hip Hop Caucus Senior Events Manager Levallois Hamilton said he is excited to see the boldness in younger generation artists. He is hopeful they will work collectively to move culture forward.
“People are tired of all of the talking, and people are ready to mobilize. They’re ready to do something,” Hamilton said. “I think that’s really pushing the needle of where we’re trying to move this country and we’re doing it together in culture.”
The Hip Hop Caucus Storytelling & Communications Operations Manager Mizani Ball said she is most excited for artists to use their creative work to illuminate the many challenges communities are facing at this time. She is hopeful the Hip Hop Caucus will inspire the next generation of leaders.
“What excites me the most about the future of hip-hop is the opportunity for people to rap about some meaningful things people are directly impacted by,” Ball said. “At the Hip Hop Caucus, we understand the importance of art and how it really can be the beat of a movement.”
