MV Bill - The Messenger of Truth

In 2004 we traveled to Barcelona Spain for the UN's annual conference. The UN had invited us along with 12 other Hip Hop Artists/Activist from around the world to get together to discuss Hip Hop and social change. UN Habitat had done a study on what was the # 1 thing that young people were using around the world to tangibly effect social change. 18 months later, no surprise to us, they found that Hip Hop culture was leading the way. So all these Hip Hop artists/activist got together in Barcelona to discuss how the UN may be able to raise a fund and support their existing projects. They set up a concert, a couple days of panels and a few dinners to toast themselves. Truthfully the event was kinda wack, poorly organized and lacking connection to the local Hip Hop scene. However connecting with these artists form all over the world who were doing inspiring work was AMAZING, we met Godessa from South Africa, Nuuk Posse from Greenland, F'em from Norway, Gidji Gidji Maji Maji from Kenya and of course the man himself from The City of God, MV BILL. We had seen MV Bill perform the year before in Rio and were really excited about connecting with him. Initially BILL was quite standoffish, kept to himself and his crew. On the second day we got a chance to perform - K'naan rocked a set (I backed him up only for lack of anyone else being there). Once we got off the stage and MV Bill saw what we were about, Hip Hop did the rest. We realized we were comrades brothers in arms, sworn to protect the culture we love and flying the Hip Hop flag for life. I know it sounds dramatic but who cares, this is truth.

We began to communicate and we learned about his passion for his infamous neighbourhood. Ciudad de Deus is riddled with drugs and guns, and even though MV Bill's commercial success in the rap game could afford him the opportunity to stay anywhere he wants he remains in the neighbourhood, working with young peopel to effect change.

MV Bill is a modern day Robin Hood this Rapper/Gangster/Social Activists has a thriving community center that uses Hip Hop culture to educate youth and empower them with life and community skills. MV Bill is always ready to discuss the roots of Hip Hop culture as it relates to Gang Culture and why mainstream American Hip Hop has lost its revolutionary edge, but Hip Hop continues to be the driving force for change and revolution for the youth of Brazil.

When MV Bill learned about 4REAL he invited us into his favela, in fact he asked us to come to the hood and tell his story.We feel blessed and fortunate to be able to keep good on our promise to tune the world into this inspiring leader.The fact that the legendary Mos Def is joining us to connect with Bill just takes the whole thing to another level.

So this is it truly a dream come true 4REAL Brazil - City of God feat - Mos Def and MV Bill.

It starts now!