Local artists, including Marbarrose, Mike Wang, YTS Gucciboi, OGB, Sabir Banek, and Herve HK, have come together to confront the troubling narratives surrounding music and violence. Each of these musicians has been affected by the harsh realities of violence, having lost friends and family to stabbings and shootings. They argue against the perception that music is the primary cause of such violence, emphasizing that these issues often stem from deeper societal problems.
Marbarrose, a former gang member, highlighted the complexity of this issue. “A lot of these beefs or issues stem before music or outside of music itself. They come from real-life situations and problems,” he stated. He believes that while music reflects these struggles, it is not the root cause of the violence. “Crime exists and wars will still happen, with or without music. Music is a fruit of a tree, not the root of the tree,” he explained.
The artists collectively recognize that the true origins of violence are more profound, linked to factors such as family breakdown, poverty, lack of identity, and spiritual emptiness. Marbarrose urged the need to address these root causes rather than focusing solely on the music produced by those affected. “We must attack the root of the tree rather than the fruits of the tree, because the tree can always grow new fruit; hence an endless cycle of violence and crime,” he noted.
Sabir Banek, who has experienced the challenges of addiction and incarceration, expressed the frustration felt by many individuals trapped in cycles of crime. “In my 24 years, I’ve spoken with so many in the streets, and almost all of them want out,” he said. He emphasized the pervasive fear that leaving gang life could lead to violence against them, which often compels individuals to remain entrenched in their circumstances.
Many of the artists have taken on mentorship roles, seeking to guide young people who find themselves caught in cycles of crime or peer pressure. Wang offered a message of hope, stating, “Even if they think that, it’s not too late to change. The only step needed to take is faith and action. Being young is a blessing, and they don’t realize how much they have to offer in this world.”
While some might assume that danger follows those with gang affiliations, independent artists face vulnerabilities of their own. YTS Gucciboi explained the precarious nature of their situation: “We’re grinding without big label backing, and a lot of us can’t afford security or a full team. That makes us easy targets whether it’s jealousy, street politics, or just being in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
As violence continues to impact the community, OGB expressed concern over the ongoing production of drill music that glorifies violence. “It’s a complete slap in the face that some artists are still making drill music regularly dissing people who have passed,” she said. The contradiction of artists claiming to retire from street life while continuing to produce violent music raises questions about their true intentions and the potential impact on younger audiences.
Marbarrose pointed out that negative perceptions of certain music genres can stifle the aspirations of young artists. He noted that in the South Sudanese community, many individuals believe drill artists contribute significantly to the rise of violence in their cities. “If we cancel or legally ban any music which has a direct impact on the rise in violence, does this impact our God-given right to speak?” he asked.
Despite the challenges, the artists are striving to ensure their work reflects positive messages. They are increasingly intentional about their lyrics, collaborations, and overall character. Yet, they remain frustrated by an industry that often rewards violent narratives. YTS Gucciboi remarked, “The industry needs to stop profiting off the trauma. Labels are quick to sign somebody talking violence but slow to invest in artists trying to uplift or bring change.”
Interestingly, a shift seems to be occurring among younger listeners. Many are becoming more discerning about the music they consume. “Many are tired of pain, tired of fake role models. They’re searching for music that doesn’t just hype them for the moment but helps them live tomorrow with hope,” said Herve HK. This growing awareness may signal a change in how music is produced and received, as fans reflect on the consequences of violence and its portrayal in the industry.
The conversations initiated by these artists highlight the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to address the multifaceted issues surrounding violence and music. By focusing on underlying societal challenges while advocating for a more responsible music industry, they aim to break the cycle of violence and inspire hope for a better future.
