May 30, 2002 15:14

HEAVYWEIGHTS BATTLE NYC SCHOOLKIDS' BUM RAP

The rappers join forces after it's reported that new mayor Michael Bloomberg's proposed $1 billion cuts...

Rap superstars, including MOS DEF, WU-TANG CLAN and JAY-Z are to join protest against cuts in NEW YORK's education budget.

They will join other rappers Ja Rule, Fat Joe, Ashanti and Dead Prez on 'Mobilization for Education', a June 4 event outside the City Hall to demonstrate against the proposed cuts by New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, said to total US$1 billion.

MTV news reports that the demonstration takes place the day before Bloomberg makes his final budget proposals to the city council. It is thought that some of the rappers will make speeches at the event.

Russell Simmons, founder of Def Jam, is also planning to take part. He said in a statement: "We are mobilising the hip-hop community to join with the United Federation of Teachers and the Alliance for Quality Education because education is a vital issue for hip-hop.

"I visit schools all the time, and I'm tired of hearing about kids sharing books and having no desks of their own. I'm tired of the debate of 'Who will manage the schools?' when the real issue is 'Who will prioritise the funding of our children's education?' The elite have abandoned the war on poverty and education, and it's up to us, the hip-hop community, to stand up. No one else will. Our elected officials have failed us."