As the Live 8 concert series rolled on, hip-hop’s finest gathered in Philly and represented to the fullest. Kanye West, Jay-Z, the Black-Eyed Peas and host Will Smith led the crowd in a movement that was made to assist those who continue to suffer in Africa.
Will Smith began the hip-hop festivities by leading the way by having people snap their fingers every three seconds (the child death rate in Africa)…
“Today, we are here to declare our interdependence,” said Smith in the city where the Declaration of Independence was signed. “Today we hold this truth to be self-evident: We are all in this together.“
He then went into a theatrical performance which included an appearance of his old friend, DJ Jazzy Jeff, and did a run down of their catalog.
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Stevie Wonder followed shortly with a sensational performance, which included some of his old favorites. Kanye West also gave a moving show, complete with some harsh words for our politicians by saying “politicians who drive home in their Bentleys every night and watch thousands of Africans die.“
Backstage, he told The Associated Press, “I’m not into politics, I’m into people. I know that these people are dying. My people. This is an event that will go down in history.“
Jay-Z joined Linkin Park for another round of mash ups while the Black Eyed Peas delivered some frantic energy. Chris Tucker, Don Cheadle, Rev. Al Sharpton, Alicia Keys, Destiny’s Child and others kept the evening going with moving performances and speeches.
The event was shown to billions on TV and was attended by many. Hopefully the point was slammed home to politicians as Africa lays millions of dollars in debt.
