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#  Rising Artists and the Healing Power of Hip-Hop

June 28 2018

Written by Diedra Greenaway.

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PERSPECTIVE--For more than four decades the Hip Hop culture and rap have been bundled with a range of negative connotations, but while many people struggle to look past the profanity, materialism, and high-risk messages often celebrated within mainstream rap music, the hip hop culture at its core, is built on values of **social justice**, peace, **respect**, self-worth, **community**, and having fun, and because of these values, it’s increasingly being used as a therapeutic tool when working with young people.

Hip Hop remains accessible and grassroots. At its simplest, you can make a beat with your mouth.

Two up and [coming artists](https://www.cnn.com/2017/12/31/politics/best-hip-hop-2017-politics/index.html) have a positive message that incorporates the real issues with social Justice in America and the need to be AWAKE. .

These newbies to the game are Salim **”Infanine”** Le Voss, whose father has worked with the legendary Earth Wind and Fire, and Diego “**Honcho Blue Strips”**Bolton, son of [Andre **“LA Dre”** ](https://www.discogs.com/artist/199679-Andre-LA-Dre-Bolton?filter_anv=0&type=Credits)[Bolton](https://www.discogs.com/artist/199679-Andre-LA-Dre-Bolton?filter_anv=0&type=Credits), who gain recognition working with N.W.A, Michel’le, Too Short and many other artists. .

These two newcomers are working hard to champion the new “Woke” Era of Hip Hop. They feel that young people are getting more involved with social issues and politics that have an impact on their communities.

Through music, more and more young people of all ethnic backgrounds are experiencing and awakening and are more willing to address issues in a productive manner that will benefit all.

You can follow these artists on Instagram @Infanine and @Clueless\_Cartel\_Music.

*(Diedra M. Greenaway, MS/MBA, is a Los Angeles City Budget Advocate and BA Budget Chair for the Department of Economic and Workforce Development. Diedra is a CityWatch contributor.)*

-cw

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