Legendary hip-hop artists and organizations marched through The Bronx on Sunday, spreading a message of peace and improved health.
“Violence is becoming a number one health issue especially in New York and really all urban areas,” said Rapper KRS-One, a key figure in organizing the walk. “Hip-hop as the leading voice in all urban areas around the world has the responsibility to step up.”
The event marked the conclusion of a yearlong celebration of hip-hop’s 50th anniversary, beginning at 1520 Sedgwick Avenue, the birthplace of hip-hop, and concluding at Crotona Park.
Participants urged fans of all ages to turn away from violence and prioritize health screenings for conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.
“I’m 64 right now, so we are telling people that are 40 don’t do what we did,” said Grandmaster Caz, a pioneering figure in the genre. “Don’t wait until you are older, older. When you hit 40, start getting those tests done.”
Kurtis Blow, considered one of the first hip-hop superstars, highlighted the importance of health from his own experience, recalling the heart transplant he had four years ago.
“I made history again, I am the first MC, rapper to have a full heart transplant. I got it four years ago. It was a blessing,” Blow said.
The event sought to celebrate the culture of hip-hop while also embracing its power to help others.
“Organizing, raising funds, talking to the kids, going to jails, going to different schools and really empowering people to say listen you can use Hip-hop as a tool to empower yourself,” said community organizer Joseph “Professor” Sanchez.
Several rappers, including Fat Joe and MC Lyte, participated in the event. KRS-One now hopes to inspire cities across the country to establish neighborhoods dedicated to hip-hop, similar to cultural enclaves like Chinatown or Little Italy. “Just like you have Chinatown, a Little Italy, or a Little Armenia, in Brooklyn they have a Little Caribbean in Flatbush. Why can’t we have a Little Hip-Hop in every city in the world?” KRS-One said.
He believes artists and businesses can help revitalize and turn certain areas into economic engines for hip-hop culture.
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