Jasiri X
Jasiri X is a Pittsburgh-based rapper and activist[1] who gained national attention with his 2007 song "Free the Jena 6."[2] He has continued to create music addressing social and political issues, including songs "Trayvon", following George Zimmerman's shooting of Trayvon Martin in February 2012,[3] "Do We Need to Start a Riot?"[4] and "What if the Tea Party was Black,"[2] and encouraged other hip-hop artists to engage these concerns as well.[5]
Jasiri X also has a YouTube-based show "This Week with Jasiri X" and has been an advocate for net neutrality[6] particularly as it relates to protecting access for low-income people of color.[7] He cofounded the anti-violence group One Hood, which includes a media academy teaching young black boys to analyze media as well as create their own.[8]
In 2015, he was named an "Artist as Activist" fellow at the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation.[9] In May 2016, he was awarded an honorary doctorate from the Chicago Theological Seminary.[10]
References
- ↑ Alcindor, Yamiche (July 13, 2014). "Activists continue fight year after Zimmerman verdict". USA Today. Retrieved 19 September 2016.
- 1 2 Mervis, Scott. "Pittsburgh rapper Jasiri X goes beyond the politics on national debut 'Ascension'". Pittsburgh Post Gazette. Retrieved 19 September 2016.
- ↑ Sheets, Connor Adams (27 March 2012). "Trayvon Martin Tribute Songs From Chaka Khan to Jasiri X [VIDEOS]". International Business Times. Retrieved 19 September 2016.
- ↑ King, Shaun (October 27, 2014). "The definitive discography of police protest songs with videos and lyrics". The Daily Kos. Retrieved 19 September 2016.
- ↑ Allen, Freddie (October 21, 2014). "Time For Hip-Hop Artists to Stand For Black Community". Sacramento Observer. Retrieved 19 September 2016.
- ↑ Breihan, Tom (24 February 2015). "R.E.M., Neutral Milk Hotel, Britt Daniel, Kathleen Hanna & More Endorse Net Neutrality In Open Letter To FCC". Stereogum. Retrieved 19 September 2016.
- ↑ Schultz, Kayla (March 3, 2015). ""The Internet Is My Lifeline": Hip-Hop Artist Jasiri X on the FCC's Net Neutrality Vote". Yes! Magazine. Retrieved 19 September 2016.
- ↑ New Pittsburgh Courier Editorial Staff (6 February 2013). "One Hood Media gives voice to Black males". New Pittsburgh Courier. Retrieved 19 September 2016.
- ↑ Chandler, D. L. (13 March 2015). "Pittsburgh Rapper Jasiri X Receives Artist As Activist Fellowship Grant". Hip-Hop Wired.
- ↑ Hook, Skyy (8 May 2016). "Rapper/Activist Jasiri X To Receive Honorary PHD". Allhiphop. Retrieved 19 September 2016.