"No matter where you live, reading is something you can't get away from," says Bigg Marv, who will become the new national spokesperson for the Hip Hop and Books Literacy Campaign beginning August 1, 2010. Having been around the entertainment industry all his life, he knows that knowing how to read well is a stepping stone to anything else you choose to do.
Joey Calendar agrees. In a statement to Cyrus Webb about why he and the other artists of Brite Mic Entertainment wanted to get involve in the Hip Hop and Books project, he said this: "Some think that just because you sing, dance or rap that you don't have to take education and things like reading seriously. That couldn't be further from the truth. The music industry is a business, and if you are going to be successful in it, you are going to need to know how to read things like contracts, etc. You can't take anything for granted. After the music is gone, you will always have what you know to keep you going."
Hip Hop and Books was created in 2008 by Cyrus Webb and co-founder Corey "C-Murder" Miller as a way to encourage reading among the urban and Hip Hop communities. Since its inception, it has given away over $5,000.00 in books to individuals who attend their free concerts and events.
The next Hip Hop and Books rally will take place on Saturday, August 14, 2010 at Smith Park (302 Amite St. * Jackson, MS) from 4-6p.m. Hosted by Cyrus Webb, the event will also feature performances by Playa Connected, Unik, Young Boi Hulk, Spida and others. As in the past, there will be books available for all who attend.
Admission is free. For more details, contact Cyrus Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616. You can also visit www.hiphopandbooks.net or www.shadowplayent.com.
