Rap Life, Apple Music’s industry leading hip-hop playlist, will feature an important and meaningful live event captured on the campus of Howard University – one of the most historic and prestigious HBCU (historically black colleges and universities) in the world. This special live-streamed event aims to further extend the discussion around the many important issues impacting the Black community through open dialogue, important conversations, and the power of music.
Hosted by Apple Music’s global head of Hip-Hop and R&B, Ebro Darden along with Apple Music 1 hosts Nadeska and LowKey, the event will feature intimate conversations and bespoke performances from beloved rappers Lil Baby, Nas, Rapsody and Wale. As the events of 2020 continue to reveal the broken systems within our society, these artists stand out as incredibly passionate and outspoken advocates for their community, using both their music and social influence to promote issues like police reform, racial and gender equality, social justice, and standing up to racism.
“The Rap Life team’s main objective was to use our voice and tools to show support and solidarity with students, artists and activists around the nation rising up to make sure the world knows that Black Lives Matter,” Ebro said “We plan to bring Rap Life Live to more HBCU campuses because these institutions are part of the backbone of Black communities and Hip-Hop is from the Black experience.”
When asked why he wanted to participate, Lil Baby said, “I feel like we got a long way to go. I’d be lying if I said we are getting there. Don’t get me wrong it’s a start, but it’s going to take some time for this to work out.”
Wale said, “Black people need to understand and hear each other, combine our messaging and give it to the world.”
Rapsody said, “our voice is our biggest weapon. You have to speak up for what you want. You have to be the change. Speak to each other. Speak up, let people hear you.”
Nas said, “Whatever is going on in society, affects people. People affect society. And People are going to speak and artists are going to make art.”
Additionally, Rap Life Live will feature sit down interviews with Howard University students – including student association president Rachel Howell, Miss Howard University Taylor Davis and president of the 10for10 organization Peter Lubembela – providing a global platform to empower the next generation of leaders as they discuss how they are working to inspire, educate, unite and uplift their communities.
Tune in to the very first Rap Life Live Friday September 18, at 7 pm PT only on Apple Music HERE
ABOUT RAP LIFE
Rap Life Live is an extension of Apple Music’s popular Rap Life playlist and companion radio show- both situated at the forefront of hip-hop culture, connecting and engaging the black community through music. This week, our Rap Life playlist spotlights artists who are using their music to entertain, inform, and heal during this time of ongoing uncertainty.
*Every precaution was taken during the filming of Rap Life Live to ensure the safety of the staff, crew and presenters in accordance with both national and local COVID-19 guidelines, including daily health screenings, face coverings, and regular thorough cleanings of the facilities.
