Hip-Hop raises funds for Habitat for Humanity cause

As part of Habitat for Humanity’s campaign, a benefit concert was planned to raise money for Habitat’s house in Norristown. The benefit concert brought the sounds of hip-hop and social justice together on one stage.

Habitat’s long term goal is to raise $50,000 to build a house in Norristown.

Habitat for Humanity’s motives and values attract members who care about the community and the importance of housing.

Jessica Sanger, president of the club, said, “I truly believe in Habitat’s motto of ‘Everyone deserves a simple decent place to live.'”

Cops on Nags opened the show with a harder sound, drawing the starter crowd, and performed a song dedicated to President George Bush.

The second featured group was rapper John Marshall with other friends who helped in rapping various worship songs that included audience participation.

This set included many heartfelt comments and prayers. Marshall said afterwards, “Where I’m from I know what it’s like to not have adequate housing, so I know what Habitat is about.”

John Marshall and friends were joined by a hip-hop band familiar to Eastern, One Nine Crew. Between songs, comments were made about not being afraid to fight social injustice.

One Nine Crew, which includes Eastern students Dave Cesare and Sean Watson, continued to draw a crowd, especially during their longer medley including input from Justin Timberlake, Rod Stewart and AC/DC.

Sophomore Jesse Strange described their sound as “heart-pounding.”

David Cesare, bass player for the band and member of Habitat, volunteered One Nine Crew for the event.

“It’s a hands-on improvement in the community. You can see work happening instead of talk,” Cesare said about Habitat’s mission.

Excited attendee, member of Habitat and friend of the band, sophomore Maura Curren commented on the event.

“I think if they got word out sooner, more people would have come. But the band was awesome,” she said.

The goal of the night was to attract at least 100 students, which at $2 each would have raised about $200 towards the organizations long-term goal of $50,000.

The benefit concert was a success, drawing more than expected to Great Gough Room on November 11.

John Marshall summed up the outcome of the show in saying, “This is a great event because it brings together the rap community and the rock community, essentially two races, for a good cause.”