Ludacris is helping the U.S. government take on the huge task of completing the 2010 Census. The “Luda on the Block” campaign will see the rapper visiting five cities in April where he will raise awareness about the importance of filling out the Census. Communities that complete the surveys will receive a portion of an annual $400 billion allotment, which will help to eliminate dilapidated building, empty lots, and closed clinics.
The campaign will include a tour as well as online webisodes featuring Luda.
Russell Simmons is also campaigning for an important cause. The Hip Hop mogul has launched a “peacekeeping” effort in the Queens neighborhood he grew up in, as well as in Brooklyn, to put a stop to crime and violence.
“Not too far from here, I [used to sell] drugs,” he said at a rally in Queens Village. “We believe that men must be the role models for young men who kill each other senselessly.”
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In other news, Reggae musician Buju Banton is legally battling with Pinellas County Jail, who he claims refuses to allow him a vegetarian diet. Buju was imprisoned in December for allegedly planning the distribution of cocaine. He claims he has lost 40 lbs. since his imprisonment, because the jail has disregarded his requests for vegetarian meals. The singer is a strict Rastafarian, many of whom do not eat red meat, or chemically altered food.
As of Banton’s hearing on Friday, Mar. 26, the judge has considered the singer’s claims of losing 40 lbs. false.
Lastly, Orlando’s DJ Young Legend has announced plans to release his debut EP this summer. The project is titled Legendary, and he will be working with fellow Orlando artists Wes Fif and Ill Essense.
“I have had the pleasure of working with a lot of the top artist’s in the music industry,” said the young DJ. “Now I plan to bring them together to make great records for the world to hear.”
