HIP HOP IS RESISTANCE!


Since its inception, Hip Hop has provided an outlet for youth to challenge the socio-economic injustices that plague our communities (in most organic of means). Originating in the South Bronx, throughout the boroughs of New York, then to urban and rural areas across the world, its might is evident. Hip Hop's rebellious nature has provided youth dismissed by mainstream society as poor and uneducated, the tools to reclaim artistic, political, and spiritual space. In these spaces, raw, organic, uncensored expression is created. In its essence, Hip Hop resilience and the intuitive nature of making something out of nothing has created space for empowerment. It has provided a foundation for communities to heal from the disenfranchisement that state has inflicted on a global scale. 

As life-long admirers and now participants, Shining Soul, have greatly benefited from Hip Hop culture. From first hearing Blackstar's “Respiration” to Grandmaster Flash and Melle Mel's “The Message”, the seeds of Hip Hop were planted in our souls. We now want to share that essence and knowledge that inspired us to pick up the mic and sampler years ago.

In our journey, we use emceeing as a platform to speak about the struggles that our respective communities face. Border Militarization, the Criminalization of People of Color, Police Brutality and the Desecration of Sacred Places are our realities today.

In our efforts, we use Hip Hop as a tool to empower community, especially youth, by informing them of the issues via dope beats, dope rhymes, and by providing context of the struggles we face. We challenge them to take effective action in their communities using music and creativity as a weapon.

The element of rap allows us to speak. We hope our music, beat making projects and overall message that "Hip Hop is Resistance" inspires others to think critically of the world we live in.

Challenge the imperialistic pillars that attack us everyday (Capitalism, Patriarchy, White Supremacy and Colonization). 
Appreciate and respect all the beauty and power that that originates from our dignified cultures.
 
This is why we are resisting. 
That is why we fight. 

So we can be who we are.

OUR existence is OUR resistance.

HIP HOP IS RESISTANCE