(Kontac spearheads indie rappers to donate all record profits to schools)
The San Francisco Bay Area, known for its independent rappers and its problems with inner city youth dropping out of school, teams the two together to help ease the financial burden of the school system. Rappers have joined together to make a CD for the purpose of generating revenue to be donated for much needed materials and canceled programs in our schools. This grass roots effort will help give optimism where limited hope exists as seen by our current dropout rate.
Kontac, a Bay Area rapper who was in part responsible for the film Beats by the Bay which featured MC Hammer, E-40 and Too Short is now embarking upon another project geared to help children stay in school. As a native of Richmond California he has seen his elementary and high-school friends drop out of school on a yearly basis. Kontac states, In a lot of cases, my friends have died on the streets looking for a way out. This problem is now at epidemic proportions with 41% of blacks and latinos in the innercities having not completed the 12th grade. These 2006 stats fluxuate from city to city, but The Bay Area has been hit hard with this educational dilemma. Systemic education disparities, decreasing educational budgets, termination of after school programs, crime and drugs all play key parts in influencing students to drop out of school.
The single is called Stay In School presented by Beats By The Bay and B.A.R.C (bay area rappers care) features; Keak Da Sneak, Jacka, Erase E, Mugzi, E-40, Hoodstarz, Federation, Mac N AK, produced by Cholly J and Suga Kane. This project is put together by East Palo Alto Charter School teacherer, Stephen Ashford who is also a hip hop artist A.K.A. Kontac. This project is aimed at helping children in the Bay Area to stay in school. Kontac has rallied over a hundred artists together for the Beats by the Bay movie and felt he could acquire the same enthusiasm and participation for this music project.
The profits of the single will help generate funding for eight schools in the region and will benefit their terminated programs and supplies. Much needed books, physical education Items, training tools will be purchased and programs will be reinstated. Kontac says, I now have kids myself and even as a teacher, I see the problem first hand. With the help of these concerned rappers and this music, we can set new goals and once again be optimistic about our educational goals.
Records stores around the Bay Area have joined in these efforts by stocking their shelves with the product. Radio station have also jumped on board by adding the song to the playlist and extending airtime to this self-help educational campaign.
If you would like more information or to schedule an interview with Kontac, Please call Stephen Ashford at (510) 684-8902 or email at kontac@tmail.com. Other contact information is myspace/beatsbythebay. Check out the video at www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7xrM-oIgsk
myspace/beatsbythebay
