By now everyone is aware that with the tragic death of Jam Master Jay, Rev Run and DMC have announced that they are officially retiring. As far as they're concerned, Run-DMC was 3 people and not 2. To continue on without JMJ would not be the same. It's a sad situation indeed. My only hope is that we don't get a bunch of studio out takes being pushed forth in some sort of posthumous album. We have too much of that already. I'd prefer to simply remember JMJ in all his glory sans a new album.

For those of you reading this who really want to pay homage to JMJ, I suggest we do more than a mix tape and shoutouts on the radio... That's easy... Anyone can do that.. I think we should step it up and make a commitment to make a difference in our communities. Jay's death is just one of many that have plagued our respective communities. Its time for us all to start doing something different. The opportunities are wide open, we can volunteer our time and mentor young kids.. Or we do as Oakland rap artist Jahi suggested the other day- Raise 100 conscious minds in your neighborhood. For those of you who are still scratching your heads, peep what Christie Z Pabon and Hip Hop pioneer Pop Master Fabel of Rocksteady Crew wrote in their online newsletter Tools of War. I think their suggestions are worth considering...

In light of the murders within the rap community, within the past few years, we would like to challenge artists to put these suggestions into action.

Emcees: Do you really want to see 8 year olds reciting your lyrics about dealing, drinking, being a thug, having sex, criminal activity, etc? Think of the kids who are going to hear your music regardless of whether you say it's only for adults. It always makes it back to the kids somehow. When you are performing -look at your audience. If you see a few kids under 12, are you going to continue to perform lyrics that are completely inappropriate for them?

We are all responsible for what we put out there - and what we help put out there. Rather than simply asking the rap artists to clean up their lyrics and include more positive content in their videos,

Why not pressure: - Producers to stop producing songs which include lyrics glorifying criminal activity, misogyny, drug and alcohol abuse, etc.

DJs (radio, club, underground, turntablists, etc) to stop playing songs which include lyrics promoting negativity.

Dancers to stop performing to songs which incorporate these lyrics.

Media: MTV, VH1, BET etc to stop playing the videos with inappropriate content at least before midnight?

Fans: The industry is putting out music with explicit lyrics and negative content because there is a perceived demand for it. Many Hip Hoppers are now parents who can "ban" certain artists music within their home (at least) and keep a closer eye on what their children are listening to. Why not expose your kids, if you don't already, to the all age, wholesome Hip Hop events that might be taking place in your area? Tell promoters who you would pay to see. Why not subscribe to Hip Hop publications which give attention to artists promoting positivity instead of sensationalizing artists who promote the opposite?

Promoters/Events Coordinators: Demand that the artists who perform for you or battle in your contests to "keep it clean". Most artists are very cooperative (esp. when there's pay involved!!!). Be clear with your hosts for the night about not swearing and not making paying customers feel alienated as a result of their gender, religion, color, race, etc.

Yes, other genres of music promote negativity too. We are not saying it's just within the rap music. We are saying, that the Hip Hop community can set an example of positivity for others to follow. The excuse that if you don't do it, someone else will doesn't really cut it. If you don't do it - at least it wont be on your conscience right?