With gun crime on the rise in America, and President Obama speaking out about the lax gun laws, a group of rappers are hoping to change attitudes.
Chicago in particular has seen a huge rise in armed assaults. In 2015, the number of gun-related crimes in the city currently exceeds 2,300 and counting – more than New York and Los Angeles combined.
As well as an unwanted reputation for gun crime, the Windy City is also famous for its hip hop heritage, and one of their most famous sons Common has combined with other local rappers to produce a powerful video condemning the proliferation of deadly weapons.
‘Put The Guns Down’ features artists rapping about the victims of gun violence, along with images of mourning relatives. It is part of the Music Versus Gun Violence initiative, led by non-profit organisation Chicago Ideas.
You can learn more at: www.musicvsgunviolence.com.
