May 13th to May 20th is hip hop appreciation week, and the Temple of Hiphop wants you to show your gratitude. Events have been organized in New York City, Los Angeles and Atlanta by the Temple and “gratitude” is this years theme. All hip hop heads are being asked to a moment and give thanks and show gratefulness. Hip hop appreciation week was established as a time set-aside for true heads to reflect on the state of Hiphop culture and their role in it. The Temple is founded by the legendary KRS-One and has had this week recognized by a handful of U.S. Senators.
While the theme of this years appreciation week is “gratitude,” the underlying goal is to decriminalize hip hop’s public image. “Hiphop is always being portrayed as having a violent or criminal undertone to it, when in fact, Rap Music is the biggest moneymaking genre of music in the industry,” says KRS-ONE, “What is selling in this country, as well as everywhere else in the world, is violence, sex and immorality. We are looking for a more sensitive message for our children. Hiphop is life-affirming.”
Among the artists that will be making appearances or participating at the events are Xzibit, Dave Hollister, Professor Griff of Public Enemy, Jazze Pha, Tony Mercedes, Rico Wade of Organized Noize, Kyle “Quick” of Jagged Edge, Mista Raja, Khujo & T-MO & Big Gip of Goodie Mob, Live Poets, Jermaine Dupri, Ludicris, Too $hort and more.
