Busta Rhymes Recruited To Prevent Gun Crimes In UK

By Chris Richburg
(allhiphop.com)
Despite his recent run-ins with the law, Busta Rhymes has been recruited to help stop an increase in gun and knife crime in London.

The Independent reports the rapper will spread his nonviolent message on September 26, when he travels overseas to perform in concert at Royal Albert Hall.

The need to curb violence among youth is a universal concern, according to Rhymes.

"I want to do something productive that will help convince kids on both sides of the Atlantic to stop killing each other," the rapper said. "We are seeing a generation of children who are lost and in need of support. Their families are breaking down around them. They're turning to gangs and violence. We need to tell them that is not the right answer."

Rhymes’ international stage show will be organized by Orange RockCorps, a social enterprise.

The organization’s co-founder, Stephen Greene, praised the rapper as an inspirational performer who had "proved his commitment to volunteering over many years."

London Mayor Boris Johnson echoed Greene’s support as he applauded Orange RockCorps’ efforts to hold the concert as well as Rhymes’ willingness to help, by saying the show would be a "a great example of how music can have a profoundly positive effect on society".

Despite his good intentions, Rhymes’ appearance has raised concerns over whether or not his criminal record will prevent him from entering the country.

The rapper was fined $100,000 after beating up a fan who spat at his car two years ago. Two months later, Rhymes appeared in court amid accusations of possessing weapons and keeping a machete in his car.

He was later cleared of the charges. In March, Rhymes was fined $1,250 in addition to receiving three years’ three years' probation and 10 days' community service for assaulting his former driver.

The New York native isn’t the first entertainer who was in danger of being denied entry into Britain.

Snoop Dogg, Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan, Islamic preacher Yusuf al-Qaradawi and domestic mogul Martha Stewart have all been denied entry into Britain.