Ski Mask Way: Rap Crimes & Hip Hop Culture

Michigan Park Shut Down to Avoid Hip-Hop "Family Reunion"

A residential park in Wyoming, MI will be closed today amid concerns from local police that permits obtained to hold a family reunion in the park were actually reserved to hold a large-scale "hip-hop bash."

DJ Skee, who applied for the permit says that the moves of the park and police officials are "racist and biased." The permit was requested for the 'Muhamma Family Reunion,' but the city says it has reason to believe the event is actually the 'Saginaw' or 'Powell Family Picnic,' which has drawn attention and criticism from neighborhood residents in the past.

Skee says the event the event is going to go down, regardless of hostility from other sources.

There are usually five components that are a lethal combo for large scale, peaceful party to go wrong: liquor, good weather, fine women, upbeat music, and too many people. That's not a black or white thing, it's an immaturity thing. I can understand both sides of the story in this situation, but the smart move for everybody would be to make it an annual city event, with sponsorship and security. The community makes money, the city establishes a good rapport with its citizens through a safe party, and they all sing "We Are Family." 

Rappers Aid in Minimizing Gun Crime

In the face of controversy surrounding police cooperation and snitching, here's a story on how a five-year-old program in Baltimore City is working to curtail gun crime.

The Precision Youth Power Program was started in 2002 as a program to help at-risk youth value education and professional development. The program has now turned into a vehicle to assist the U.S. Attorney's office get the word out on gun crime.

Members of PYPP have begun recording several hip-hop public service announcements to inform viewers about Maryland Exile, 'a unified and comprehensive strategy to combat gun crime that combines local, state and federal law enforcement efforts; community action and revitalization; and public awareness.' Artists' lyrics will warn about the automatic jail time that awaits felons who carry guns, or use guns in violent crimes.

In a city that is infamous for drugs and guns, this is a bold move on the part of the participants of this movement, many of whom still live in the same neighborhoods where trouble led them to PYPP. But if these young people are willing to take the issue of gun violence and crime to the airwaves, perhaps it will be an effective way to get the attention of its target market, just in time for the usually crime-ridden summer.

And hopefully, the attention of the national media.