KRS-One, Slick Rick, and Big Daddy Kane Join Forces for First Hip Hop Union Alliance Promo Video
The promotional video for hip-hop’s first official union is here. Legendary rappers KRS-One, Slick Rick, and Big Daddy Kane recently joined forces for the visual for The Hip Hop Alliance, which was uploaded to the “Sound of the Police” rapper’s Instagram account this week.
The Hip Hop Alliance, a newly founded union, was founded by pioneering emcees Chuck D and Kurtis Blow to “promote and secure the strongest protections” for staff and members of the hip-hop industry.
In a lengthy caption, KRS-One thanked “those who work behind the scenes to make Hip Hop Happen” before speaking directly to industry figures, including managers, artists, agents, engineers, and producers, asking: “what is the retirement plan, healthcare plan, and fare commission standards for us? What is a fare wage for what we do within "hip-hop" as an industry?”
“Those that drive and assist artists, those that protect artists, those that promote the show, and those that sell merchandise, among other roles and responsibilities that make hip hop happen; Who speaks for us?” he continued.
KRS-One begins the clip by stating, “Welcome to The Hip Hop Alliance. Hip Hop’s first official union. We fighting for rights!” before going on to say, “Who really looking out for the artists?/Everybody knows the music industry is heartless.” Kane and Slick Rick are featured throughout, posing.
The organization defines itself as “a 501(c 3) non-profit organization [whose] mission is to promote fair wages, fair royalties and strong health and retirement benefits for artists in the Hip-Hop and R&B community,” according to the description on its official website.
Social media fans appear to have already taken a liking to the new initiative as many applauded the rap icons on the efforts, including one Instagram user who encouraged the musicians to “Continue protecting and preserving the Culture of Hip Hop!!!!” before adding, “Accountability is important.”
KRS-One serves as Chairman, while Doug E. Fresh serves as Vice Chairman. The HHA Advisory Board includes Slick Rick, Willie D, DJ Scratch, DJ Hollywood, DJ Cassidy, Davy DMX, GrandWizzard Theodore, and Alonzo Williams, among others.
