Thug Life Army

It’s no secret that Hip Hop and Rap is under fire these days, and artists that glorify illegal drug sales, violence, and misogyny are being called into account for their lyrics. Despite the best efforts of national icons like Oprah Winfrey and forums held by Congress to address the situation, the most effective voice to speak out against hip hop MC’s and rappers might come from the most unlikely of places: A Rapper and Hip Hop MC.

“Everybody in the hood is not (a) gangster. It goes back to music: they want to be what they hear, so they put on an act,” says a 6th grader from the Trey Whitfield Academy in Brooklyn, NY. She along with other 6th and 7th graders were being interviewed by rap artist, Lavoisier, for their perspective on the state of Hip Hop. Lavoisier quickly points out that while many try to emulate rappers, the rap artists themselves don’t live up to the lifestyles that they glorify in their songs.

“They’re lying to somebody. Either they’re lying to you on the record, or they’re lying to the media to protect their integrity when they say it’s just music and not real.” As Lavoisier speaks, the kids are all ears, being made well aware of Lavoisier’s own history as a former drug dealer and gang member from the streets of Coney Island, NY. His bold approach and willingness to name names has earned him the nickname “The Rap Terrorist”, and he lives up to the title, schooling youngsters in this classroom project.

The footage has been compiled into a scathing 15 minute documentary which includes song and video quotes from Hip Hop and Rap artists such as 50 Cent and T.I. The video is steadily gaining attention on internet platforms such as YouTube and MySpace, and has garnered upwards of 10,000 views within 48 hours of being made public.

Lavoisier is signed to independent record label, AOmega Global Military, and he has appeared on BET’s airing of the “Higher Ground” documentary, while his music has been featured on soundtracks and national compilations distributed by Sony/BMG in upwards of 180,000 copies. He is frequently called upon to speak at jails, schools, detention centers and churches to hold seminars and give lectures on the influences of hip hop culture. The classroom video can be viewed at: www.aomegamusic.com