In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, The Source Magazine continues to share and provide enlightenment, empowerment, fairness and decency in the work and content we produce and distribute under our name, knowing the powerful impact of media especially, on our youth. As we celebrate Dr. King’s Birthday and celebrate our 25th Anniversary, we also wish to acknowledge the work of members from the Hip-Hop community whose deeds and actions have demonstrated courage, compassion and serving others (in the spirit of Dr. King). Let’s be clear from the outset, we do not seek to compare or paint a broad brush that these gentlemen are like Dr. King or live a Dr. King life… We all know better! However, we do know that Dr. King was more than just a dreamer and he had courage, compassion and the will to serve others. This year, we honor The Game and Nas for their acts of compassion and deeds to help others in their own special way. #Salute!
THE GAME
Most people know Jayceon Taylor as the feisty, confrontational gangster rapper who rose to prominence in the early 2000’s when his debut album, The Documentary, was certified gold by the RIAA after just one week on the shelves, and he began a legendary run of hit-making with G-Unit general 50 Cent and inserted himself into the ranks of hip-hop elite. He has since released 4 successful albums, most recently, Jesus Piece, which proved to be one of the better albums 2012 had to offer. Still, outside of the booth, Taylor has been extremely active in his community, particularly with his The Robin Hood Project venture, that has raised eyebrows worldwide for its abundant selflessness, and the awareness Game has raised not just in his hometown of Compton, but around the globe in places such as The Philippines and Australia. Game has begun and run a separate Twitter account for The Robin Hood Project, that helps raise money for people he believes are desperately in need, and alerts the public exactly how much money has been risen for each case.
For example, the game donated 10,000 dollars to the family of this fallen angel and posted a snapshot of the contribution to the Robin Hood Project’s Instagram account.
Upon launching The Robin Hood Project’s Instagram account, Game had this to say about the inspiration behind his new venture:
The other day I posted this pic of an African child I met in Australia playing outside the grocery store. His story of his families hardships & struggles to get away from the terror they left behind touched me so I gave him what I had on me… Which was an Australian $20 bill. As the days passed, I thought about him over & over & over & the only thing that bothered me about that night was that I didn’t have more on me to give him at that time. For some reason I just didn’t bring more money from the hotel. Since I can’t shake that feeling… I have decided to give $1,000,000 to people I come in contact with around the world everyday until Christmas. Don’t even know if thats possible but I’ve set my heart on trying!!! I’ve created a new account specifically for those who would like to Follow @therobinhoodproject & support me on this journey.
His efforts have not only been helpful to the specific people and families that he’s reached out to, but Taylor is a gargantuan inspiration to people worldwide, especially those that weren’t born into the most fortunate situations. Rather than merely rap about caring about his neighborhood, and the betterment of people worldwide, Game has taken action, and not by way of some fancy corporation, or through several fancy press releases, but by directly interacting with the people he comes across as he travels the world every day, and it is absolutely heart-warming to see someone from our culture take the time to launch such a sincere, meticulous operation, in the midst of furthering his career in one of the most cutthroat industries in America. Our congratulations go out to The Game, and our sincerest thanks go out to him for setting an example, and being a leader in the community. Dr. King’s dream wasn’t only centered around racial equality, but the betterment of the human race, and Jayceon Taylor, you have done well to help achieve that.
NAS
Many celebrities donate money to charity in order to fill some sort of quota on how nice they are portrayed. And it is rare that you will find yourself receiving money from a celebrity when you are in dire need of it as it has been an unwritten rule that their money only goes to one place. But rapper, Nas, has gone against the grain and has shed a new light on the fact that money isn’t only good for art charities but it could actually go to people that will use it to survive a tough situation.
In August, a single father of eight lost his home in a fire that started in a neighboring store. Already jobless, Stanley Young had no resolutions to fix the problem that lay in front of him. The devoted father lost his wife the year prior so his means of support was slim to none. Relying on only luck and prayer, Young and his children were staying in a hotel that was getting ready to kick him out when Nas found out about what happened. On tour in Japan, Nas’ manager sent him a video on the story and he immediately decided to help.
“As a single father I couldn’t help but feel for Stanley. He has my [utmost] respect as a man. It takes a real one to do whatever it takes to help his family,” said Nas in a statement via his publicist. “I want to help the Young family get a fresh start on life and I want the world to know that they can help make a difference if they stick together. We are learning an incredible lesson and Stanley is the teacher of that lesson. I cannot wait to meet them in person.”
Nas began a Crowdtilt campaign and asked others to donate in order to help Young get back on his feet. Giving $10,000 of his own money and receiving $40,000 in donations, Nas was able to truly help Young and his family out!
Nas proved that if people stick together, we could really make a difference. Not one of those people personally knew Stanley Young but they all got together and helped him when he needed it the most. Dreams do come true as long as you try and stay positive. And Nas made a dream come true for Stanley Young and his eight children.
“Dr. King was a drum-major for justice who gave his life for others and inspired us all; his work and legacy has even touched the lives of the Hip Hop community. Salute to The Game and Nas for their compassion and support of others in need last year. #RESPECT!” Publisher L. Londell McMillan, Esq.
