Hip-Hop x Humanity

Listen, rappers have a soft spot too. But let’s remember, most of them came from single mother parenting, while others stayed out on the block to hustle whatever they could to stay alive. They came from nothing to something and are now giving back to others who are less privileged than themselves. I took three popular rappers who have done quite a number of things, some of which aren’t ALL highlighted here.

Sean “P.Diddy” Combs
Networth: $550 million (Forbes April 2012)

There’s not one thing that Diddy can’t do. I mean, he’s a producer, rapper, clothing designer for Sean John, fragrance maker for “I Am King,” and the list goes on. Being a very skilled entrepreneur, Diddy wants other young entrepreneurs to be ready with the skills that they need to venture out into the world. During his speech last year at the Annual Bryan-Michael Cox Pre Grammy Brunch, he stated that he would be donating $100,000 to The 100 Urban Entrepreneurs Foundation. Diddy’s contribution will be used to start up 10 businesses and provide entry into the 100 Urban Entrepreneur Mentor Program.

When Pakistan had destructive floods two years ago, Diddy reached out with Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco and Erykah Badu to Pakistan’s NOW campaign. The campaign is for celebrity artists to help bring awareness to those affected by the floods and to raise money for relief efforts. ​Diddy came clutch to help save the Boys and Girls Club in Harlem. The amount he donated is undisclosed, but the generousity from Diddy is astounding considering the fact that the club was about to be shut down.

Why is he humanity worthy? Diddy in 2003 raised more than $2 million for New York Schools and for children suffering from HIV/AIDS. His name brand, Sean John, created Sean John for Breast Cancer Care by creating a pink slip for charities supporting those diagnosed with breast cancer.

Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson
Networth: $110 million (Forbes April 2012)

I had done an article about rappers not wanting to visit Africa because of the negative stereotypes that the media portrayed about the continent. However, it’s great to see 50 Cent reaching out to those who live in Somalia’s Southern border, Dolow. Dolow was a safe haven for many women and children who fled from drought and conflict. The World Food Programme charity is the main founder for children living in Africa, providing meals so they can be able to focus on their studies at school. WFP hosted 50 Cent’s trip for a week giving him the chance to visit a school in Nairobi where the majority of the students were orphans. Jackson, who has a new energy drink, Street King, said for every unit sold he would donate 10 cents to cover costs of food and donate it to the WFP.

Having the chance to give back to his borough, Queens, NY, Jackson created the G-Unity Foundation. The foundation is geared to help those who live in low-income housing and it also caters to youth of the Queens community. G-Unity created the G-Unity Scholarship Fund that started at the Queensborough Community College and has given thousands of dollars of grant money to nonprofit organizations.

UNICEF had money donated to them by Jackson who took his earnings from a concert given to the late Libyan leader Muammer Gadhafi.

Why is he humanity worthy? “I want to impact people’s lives more. I created a new goal for myself, I want to feed 1 billion people in Africa over the next 5 years” – 50 Cent

Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter
Networth: $460 million (Forbes April 2012)

The husband to Beyonce and the father to Blue Ivy, Jay-Z has done quite a few projects to change the lives of others. Six years ago, Jay-Z visited several countries in Africa to document how water was being distributed in their villages. Diary of Jay-Z: Water for Life was aired on MTV to help educate others on the unsanitary water conditions that the native Africans have to use.

In 2006, students who attend(ed) the Messa Arts Academy in Arizona had the privilege of receiving over 150 musical instruments from Jay-Z and LeBron James. It wouldn’t have been possible if there wasn’t a partnership with Coca Cola’s Sprite Green charity and the Boys’ and Girls Clubs of America.

Jay-Z had decided to have his restaurant/bar 40/40 have a home in London, England. He partnered with Ashley Cole, a footballer who will use their profits towards sports and music charities in low-income communities. The 40/40 restaurant/bar is set to open this year.

Why is he humanity worthy? Jay-Z raised raised over $250,000 for PlayPumps International at his November 2006 concert in New York, the Spring Hill Campaign for Adolescent and University Student Empowerment received more than $2,500 worth of designer street wear, he also pledged $1 million to the American Red Cross to help Hurricane Katrina victims.