The Bible Of Hip Hop drops science on some at risk youth in the birthplace of Hip Hop

The South Bronx has been one of the United States’ most ill-affected communities for the past 60 years. In the 1970s, President Jimmy Carter came to the South Bronx to address the apathy that Americans outside of the Rotten Apple only thought existed in Third World countries. Burned out, abandoned buildings were more plentiful than actual livable housing, drugs, specifically heroin, dominated the community’s economy, and all sorts of criminal activity was commonplace in the neighborhood that birthed this culture called Hip Hop.

Today, the neighborhood has improved in regards to appearance, however, the “street life” around Prospect Avenue, Third Avenue, and Forest Projects has, for the most part, remained the same. Generations of families have been unable to escape the addiction, crime, and hopelessness that has plagued their community. Some have even written off the South Bronx and similar communities around the country, deeming the majority of the residents a threat to society.

In the midst of this seemingly hopeless environment on 160th between Forest and Tinton sits the Argus Community House, an alternative school/program for at-risk youth and transitioning adults. Eriel Rivera and Eric Gottlieb granted The Source Magazine the opportunity to speak to aspiring rappers, graphic designers, future parents, a welcoming staff who have the daunting challenge of turning major stumbling blocks into even greater stepping stones, much like the founding fathers Coke La Rock, DJ Kool Herc, and Flash did in the very same neighborhood almost 40 years ago. The energy generated was productive, as positive choices were the memo of the day and given with the purpose of positive direction. Thanks to all of the clients who were present during the session that took something from what was given.

-Sha Be Allah(@KingPenStatus)