Local Hip-Hop artists try to stop violence in South Bend

For years Hip-Hop music has been a voice for the voiceless, tackling tough issues through the will of wordplay. Now some local artists are taking up the mantle to fight inner city violence in South Bend. 

This local group of rappers who may not have all the fancy bells and whistles of a Jay-Z or Kanye West. But they are trying to make their voices just as loud to fight the issues they see everyday. 

"It's about the future. It's about what we are trying to develop later on in life," said artist Michael Stuckey. 

Blu Casey and other local hip hop artists are putting together a benefit concert dedicated to, what they call, waking up the city. If you saw my piece last month on my Brothers Keeper, you've probably heard this expression before. It's a growing movement in the area to expose all residents to the problems minority communities are facing. That includes drugs and violence. 

"I have the responsibility and the accountability in using my influence for positive," said Blu Casey. "Yes I talk about violence in the community. Why? Because I grew up around violence. There bullet holes in my moms house. So of course it's going to come out in my poetry."

A rallying cry, centered in accountability and unity, that community leaders like Jeermal Sylvester can get behind.

"It's an excellent opportunity that this south bend hip-hop movement is going forward," said Jeermal Sylvester.  "It's going to be an us thing. It's not the mayors job. It's not the police job. It's us as people of the community. We have to take control of our neighborhoods."