Thanks to the Dynasty Hip-Hop Inc. Mentoring Program, some area youth didn’t have to leave town or make it onto a reality TV show for the chance to sing with a star.
Local hip-hop star Murphy Lee recently invited them into the studio at Derrty Ent. (which gives the youth in the program free studio time on a weekly basis) to sing a hook for him on his new song, “21.”
“I deal with a lot of give-it-back things, but I never got a chance to give back in this way,” Murphy Lee said.
“That was crazy, for us to be able to get them on this song. It’s a positive song.”
“21” is an inspirational song that talks about surviving the streets – not being dead or locked up by the age of 21.
The message struck home with these youth who devote themselves to education and agree to write positive lyrics in exchange for mentoring and studio time.
“If it wasn’t for Dynasty, I don’t know what I would be doing,” said Genai Jones, a senior at Hazelwood East High School. Jones started in the program about nine months ago, and now she is preparing to graduate and go to college.
The youth are responding to the positive messages of the program and Murph’s song.
“We use to bang in this gang called 42 SAC. Now it ain’t about no banging or whatever, it’s about making this music,” said Naim “Noo Noo” Thompson, a junior at Beaumont High School who has performed in front of over 20,000 people, as well as in concert with Def Jam recording artist Young Jeezy since joining Dynasty.
“We thank Murphy Lee and the whole Derrty Ent. for supporting the cause of saving our youth,” said Rafiq Zafir Muhammad, associate director of the Dynasty Hip-Hop Inc. Mentoring Program.
“May Allah continue to bless them to have that spirit to use their great influence to help save the lives of our children.”
As the day in the studio progressed, others from Derrty Ent. got involved. By the end of the session half of the St. Lunatics were in the building, from Murphy Lee to City Spud to Kyjuan.
It was a big moment for the youth – but Murph thanked them.
“I just want to thank the kids for participating,” Murph said.
“They could have been doing anything in the world, but they decided to be here with me.”
Dynasty is a non- profit organization that utilizes hip-hop, its culture and its industry to educate, motivate and empower youth with the training and skills to become more productive members of society. Dynasty also works as a part of the Millions More Movement, A Call To Oneness and 100 Black Men.
“The aspect of recording their music in a professional studio for free and meeting people in this industry peeks their interest, so they get those youth and begin to help them be productive,” said Jacque Land, president of 100 Black Men of Metropolitan St. Louis and part of A Call To Oneness.
The organisers of Dynasty agree with President Barack Obama and the Hon. Min. Louis Farrakhan that the time to act is now.
James Muhammad, co- founder of Dynasty, said, “As our people die in these streets, what choice do we have but to unify?”
For more info on Dynasty, call 314-599-1878 or 314-243-4722. Dynasty Hip-Hop Inc. Mentoring Program meets on Tuesdays at Muhammad Mosque # 28 (1408 N. Kingshighway) from 5-6 p.m. and Wednesdays at the offices of 100 Black Men (4631 Delmar) from 4:30-6 p.m.
