"Rhyming Out The Dream" - Hip-Hop With a Message

See what artist are rhyming out the dream and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.. View photos now!

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. - Who would MLK be proud to see practicing his "dream" in their art?

1 / 13

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. - Who would MLK be proud to see practicing his "dream" in their art?

Talib Kweli - So the idea that at this point [is that] I’m 35 years old and there’s no music business, and I have grown man responsibilities, so of course I’m going to get paid for my craft. And I’m going to work with companies that are willing to support the lifestyle.

2 / 13

Talib Kweli - Talib Kweli has always been thoughtful with his artistry.

Public Enemy - Challenging the system has always been a staple for Chuck D and crew.

3 / 13

Public Enemy - Challenging the system has always been a staple for Chuck D and crew.

Chi-Town - Kanye gives his all while performing in front of his hometown fans.

4 / 13

Kanye West - Mr. West has never been bashful. His memorable outburst after Hurricane Katrina proved that it is more than the music for Mr. West.

Author - Rihanna and Soulja Boy aren’t the only ones penning books this year. Atlantic Records’ Lupe Fiasco is gearing up to release the first tome of his career which will revolve around a window washer.

5 / 13

Lupe Fiasco - "American Terrorist" is one of many songs where Lupe gives food for thought.

ADVERTISEMENT
Back to School - Music superstar Wyclef Jean wants his degree. In an effort to inspire young people to take education seriously, the former Fugees member will enroll at Berklee College in Boston to pursue his BA in Music. He will also work with Rev. Al Sharpton to encourage young people to attend class.

6 / 13

Wyclef - Wyclef has always been an activist - in and out of music.

Nas - God's Son was up on the Wildcats way before the Kerry Kittles days. On "It Ain't Hard to Tell" off "Illmatic," the Queens MC boasted, "groovy but smoother than moves from Villanova."

7 / 13

Nas - Like King, Nasir Jones has always been a great thinker.

Stic.man and M-1 of dead prez - How can you do a Hip-Hop Vs. America II panel without the likes of dead prez. Here's Stic.man and M-1 back in their dressing room.

8 / 13

Dead Prez - M-1 & stic.man showed the world that it's much bigger than just Hip-Hop.

Immortal Technique - Never one to be shy with words, Tech challenges injustices across the globe.

9 / 13

Immortal Technique - Never one to be shy with words, Tech challenges injustices across the globe.

KRS One - KRS and his brand of "edutainment" would have made the King proud.

10 / 13

KRS One - KRS and his brand of "edutainment" would have made the King proud.

ADVERTISEMENT
Mos Def - The Mighty Mos Def subject matter has ranged from the challenges of being an African American ("Mr. N*gga") to the world's water crisis ("New World Water").

11 / 13

Mos Def - The Mighty Mos Def subject matter has ranged from the challenges of being an African American ("Mr. N*gga") to the world's water crisis ("New World Water").

The Coup - Boots Riley has challenged the system for many years. Until the world changes, we're sure he wont stop delivering his message.

12 / 13

The Coup - Boots Riley has challenged the system for many years. Until the world changes, we're sure he wont stop delivering his message.

Common - Common has always done it for "The People."

13 / 13

Common - Common has always done it for "The People."