When Artists Unite: Classic Music Ensembles

Artists across genres have come together for good causes.

"Self Destruction," The Stop the Violence Movement - With Black-on-Black crime running rampant, KRS-One assembled a dream team of spitters to come together on the posse cut "Self Destruction." Produced by D-Nice, the put-down-the-guns anthem included Kool Moe Dee, Heavy D, Boogie Down Productions, Stetsasonic, MC Lyte, Public Enemy and a few other wordsmiths.Released in 1990, KRS came up with the idea after a young fan was killed at a fight during one of his shows with P.E. Bigger than just the song, The Stop the Violence movement was a coalition of artists working together in the community to bring about peace. (Photo: Jive)
"U Will Know," B.M.U. (Black Men United) - In 1994, the R&B world came together as D'Angelo created the compilation song "U Will Know," shedding light on the rapid deaths of young African-American males due to Black-on-Black crime. Featured on the Jason's Lyric soundtrack, the anthem harmonized the voices of the likes of R. Kelly, Brian McKnight, El Debarge, Usher, Tevin Campbell, Keith Sweat, Joe and Gerald Levert. Proceeds from the record were donated to charities and to promote the message of peace.(Photo: Mercury Records)
"We Are The World 25 For Haiti," Artists For Haiti - "We Are the World 25 for Haiti" was released in 2010 after the devastating earthquake hit the Caribbean island. Bringing the original classic back into spotlight, this version featured current artists from today as well as a few of your favorite MCs spitting a few bars. The repurposed Haiti version features Wyclef Jean, Jennifer Hudson, Mary J. Blige, Janet Jackson, Barbra Streisand, Jamie Foxx, Usher, Celine Dion, Lil Wayne, Akon, Kanye West, will.i.am and Nipsey Hussle, among others."We Are the World 25 for Haiti" was released Feb. 12, 2010, during the opening ceremony of the 2010 Winter Olympics, and raised millions for the cause.(Photo: Kevin Mazur/Handout) 
"Freedom," Various Artists - The sirens of R&B showed their sisterhood in 1995 as they convened for the song "Freedom" from the film Panther, about the Black revolutionary organization. The track and video were recorded paying homage to female civil rights fighters like Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, Sojourner Truth, Assata Shakur, Angela Davis and Shirley Chisolm.Aaliyah, Mary J. Blige, En Vogue, Xscape, Karyn White, SWV, TLC, Me’Shell NdegéOcello and Vanessa Williams were among the many harmonizing on the uplifting melody."Freedom" was originally recorded by alternative R&B singer Joi in 1994; Dallas Austin produced her version as well as the all-star cover.(Photo: Mercury Records)"What's Going On," Artists Against AIDS Worldwide - Artists Against AIDS Worldwide released the album What’s Going On on October 30, 2001. The project contained multiple versions of Marvin Gaye's classic with various artists and musicians and its proceeds benefited AIDS programs in Africa and other distressed countries as well as The American Red Cross's September 11 Relief Fund because the attack occurred right after the song was recorded.The radio version was produced by Jermaine Dupri and Bono; that and eight other renditions included stars like Usher, The Backstreet Boys, *NSYNC, Mary J. Blige, Destiny's Child, Nelly, Alicia Keys, Britney Spears, Wyclef Jean, Christina Aguilera, Gwen Stefani and Jennifer Lopez.(Photo: Columbia Records)

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"U Will Know," B.M.U. (Black Men United) - In 1994, the R&B world came together as D'Angelo created the compilation song "U Will Know," shedding light on the rapid deaths of young African-American males due to Black-on-Black crime. Featured on the Jason's Lyric soundtrack, the anthem harmonized the voices of the likes of R. Kelly, Brian McKnight, El Debarge, Usher, Tevin Campbell, Keith Sweat, Joe and Gerald Levert. Proceeds from the record were donated to charities and to promote the message of peace.(Photo: Mercury Records)

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