Chicago rappers ask public to lay down rhymes to promote peace, end the violence

CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) - Music and gun violence can go hand in hand. But in a new twist, instead of promoting thug life, a new music video is preaching against it.

Nearly a dozen Chicago rap artists are involved in the music video, including Common, King Louie and the Twilite Tone.

And now, Twilite Tone is asking for others to get involved.

"Today we need your help, see this button on the top right hand corner, click it, add your verse and help us spread the word and promote peace in the city of Chicago and beyond" Twilite Tone said.

The movement is the brainchild of Twilite Tone, Leo Burnett Ad Agency and Chicago Ideas Week.

“If music can influence people to pick up a gun can we inspire people to put down the gun using the very same tactic?” said Executive Director of Chicago Ideas Week Jessica Malkin.

Akins believes this song can only help and show the youth that rap artists can be positive role models.

“There’s a lot of kids in the city that don't have role models to look forward to, so they look at whatever is on TV, social media,” said Akins.

He is one of the first to add lyrics to the video on musicversusgunviolence.com.

The website doesn't just share a song, but stories from those impacted by gun violence.

Annette Holt lost her 16-year-old son, Blair, in 2007. He was riding a CTA bus with friends when a gunman got on the bus and began to fire. He leaned in to protect a classmate and was killed.

“I couldn't save him. I could not save my only child from what this world had to offer, which was a gun in the hand of another teenager who shot and killed him,” Holt said.

More information on MusicVsGunViolence.com