When Shadow Play Entertainment President Cyrus A. Webb announced the creation of America's first literary reality show (The Write Stuff) in late 2008, he knew that it would be something that attracted the attention of those outside of writing as well. After all, one of the most important aspects of a good show is the music that accompanies it, and Webb knew he had the chance to do something special with the songs that were a part of this new project.
"We wanted the music and the artists to be just as unique as the concept of the show itself," says Webb, 33, "but we wanted to make sure that the songs were by those who shared our passion for literacy as well." To begin the process, he first went to recording artists he had worked with in the past that were a part of his literacy campaign called Hip Hop and Books. This included Jack Squad, Jon Boy (VH1's The White Rapper Show), Eddie Wright, Dj Down South and Omega Red. Next he went to The Patrick Smith Band who have been supporters of Shadow Play Entertainment since 2004.
Why so many, though, from the Hip Hop community? "Hip Hop is more than just what is glamorized on tv and in some music," says Larry Washington, Asst. Music Producer for The Write Stuff project. "Hip Hop is changing and just as diverse as other genres of music. The artists with The Write Stuff reflect that."
Another organization that has been created to showcase the positive side of Hip Hop is www.hiphopgivesback.org. Created by Mike D and Konata J, HipHopGivesBack.org has set itself as the premiere catalyst committed to cultivating the awareness of the positive efforts, endeavors,and accomplishments of Hip Hop Culture and its communities. Through its website it hopes to remove negative reinforcements that have been placed upon Hip Hop Culture and its communities by bringing you stories of programs, events and priceless moments that are the result of positivity within. It is now supporting The Write Stuff Reality Show and the artists that are a part of it.
"The world is not going to fix itself," says Mike D. "I think it is necessary for those of us who have been blessed in certain positions, to get the ball rolling. This collaboration is the start of a movement that will assist the future(children) in forming the future." Konata J adds this: "The collaboration between www.HipHopgivesBack.org & The Write Stuff is an example of the forward thinking that will bring about progress and change in essential areas, including literacy with urban youth and the promotion of programs. This will contribute to the overall improvement of literacy excellence in our communities." Hip Hop Gives Back will be cross-promoting the artists from The Write Stuff through its site as well.
Dj Down South, a recording artist from Mississippi is also pleased to see the marriage of music and reading. "I'm glad to be a part of projects that can show more than one side of the music that Hip hop produces. The Write Stuff is going to break alot of records, and I think that will include those that have to do with Hip Hop as well."
Other organizations that have partnered with Shadow Play Entertainment and The Write Stuff in their effort to show the positive side of music include For The People Productions, Crunk Magazine, Hype Magazine, Industry Standard Magazine, The Common Ground Foundation and The Hip Hop Chronicle.
To find out more about those who are working to make a difference along with The Write Stuff or to see how you can get involved, visit http://www.thewritestufftv.com or contact Herschel Dixon at 1.502.994.7852.
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