Before announcing the nominees for Best Hip-Hop Video at the 2014 MTV Video Music Awards, Chicago rapper Common reminded us what role Hip Hop has played during times of controversy and connected the ongoing protests in Ferguson, Mo.
“Hip-hop has always been about truth and has been a powerful instrument for social change,” said after describing the national outpouring of concern over the police shooting of unarmed 18-year-old Michael Brown earlier this month. He listed off Public Enemy and Kendrick Lamar as examples of artists who’ve used the vehicle to send powerful messages about society.
The socially-conscious rapper then called for a moment of silence in honor of Ferguson, leading the arena into a 5-second-long bout of quietude.
What do you think about Common’s call to Hip Hop fans and artists?
