Hip Hop Congress

Two great articles from RubyHornet.com on Shamako / Ben Chavis [RubyHornet.com / press]

One of our favorite writers and Hip Hop Congress members Roosevelt Treasurechest had the chance to catch up with Shamako “The Prez” Noble and Dr. Ben Chavis in separate interviews earlier this week. Below are some snippets and links to the full articles.

Shamako Noble:

People talk, write, and rap about Hip Hop’s power for social change, but there is perhaps no one more familiar with that power than Shamako Noble. Noble is a Bay Area emcee, organizer, and current president of the Hip Hop Congress, which has grown ten-fold since its inception almost a decade ago. And Noble has been there every step (and mis-step) of the way.

I first came into contact with him in 2000, as a freshman at Indiana University. On my way to math class I saw a flyer for the Hip Hop Congress, which at the time, was just forming on the campus of Indiana University. I skipped my math class that day, and made a decision that has played a prominent role in the direction of my life. I can’t say with 100% certainty that without Hip Hop Congress, I may never have become a DJ, or Hip Hop journalist. But I can say that without Hip Hop Congress I would have not have become a student leader at IU, a corps member of Teach For America, or gained the cultural and historical understanding of Hip Hop and its community that simply cannot be attained through De La Soul, Public Enemy, Dilated Peoples, and Beastie Boys records. But this article isn’t about me. It’s about Hip Hop Congress, and how while many speak of the Hip Hop Generation’s lack of commitment or interest in social and political issues, Noble is able to produce clear evidence that contradicts the notion that Hip Hoppers are simply selfish…But, as demonstrated in his song by the same name (which I tell him all the time is my absolute favorite), Noble also knows that they most certainly can be…CLICK MORE HERE

Dr. Ben Chavis:

April was a busy month for Dr. Ben Chavis and The Hip Hop Summit Action Network. The non-profit organization designed to empower young people connected through Hip Hop music and culture held two large summits last month. The summits focused on political and financial literacy, and used the appeal and influence of Hip Hop artists as a means of motivating young people to do their own further exploration.

Empowerment is not a new field for Dr. Ben Chavis, who sits among the leaders of Hip Hop Summit Action Network. While Russell Simmons’ name often leads press releases, and news stories related to HHSAN, it is the efforts of Chavis as well that continue to make the organization run. A veteran of the Civil Rights Movement, former Robert Kennedy campaign worker, and past leader of the NAACP, Chavis has made it his mission to immerse himself in Hip Hop as a way to connect the youth of today with the struggle of the past. While many see Civil Rights leaders from a generation ago as being out of touch with the needs and expressions of the Hip Hop generation, Chavis hears a different song.

In this Ruby Hornet exclusive interview, conducted a day before the HSAN Financial Empowerment Summit in North Carolina, Dr. Chavis talks about bridging the generational gap, Hip Hop as an empowerment tool, and also shares his take on Nas’ new album. It may shock you to know that perhaps Hip Hop’s biggest supporter just turned 60...MORE CLICK HERE