When Artists Unite: Classic Music Ensembles

Artists across genres have come together for good causes.

"Don't Shoot," Game feat. Rick Ross, 2 Chainz, Diddy, Fabolous, Wale, DJ Khaled, Swizz Beatz, Yo Gotti, Curren$y, Problem, King Pharaoh and TGT - Game united a few of his boyz from da hood, including Rick Ross, Diddy, Yo Gotti and 2 Chainz, to protest the murder of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, on the track "Don't Shoot."Taking a stand against police brutality, proceeds from "Don't Shoot," which is available on iTunes, will be donated to The Michael Brown Memorial Fund.  Read on for a look at more classic music ensembles that featured artists coming together for great causes. — Michael Harris (@IceBlueVA)(Photo: The Game/Justice For Mike Brown charity)

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"Don't Shoot," Game feat. Rick Ross, 2 Chainz, Diddy, Fabolous, Wale, DJ Khaled, Swizz Beatz, Yo Gotti, Curren$y, Problem, King Pharaoh and TGT - Game united a few of his boyz from da hood, including Rick Ross, Diddy, Yo Gotti and 2 Chainz, to protest the murder of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, on the track "Don't Shoot."Taking a stand against police brutality, proceeds from "Don't Shoot," which is available on iTunes, will be donated to The Michael Brown Memorial Fund.  Read on for a look at more classic music ensembles that featured artists coming together for great causes. — Michael Harris (@IceBlueVA)(Photo: The Game/Justice For Mike Brown charity)

"We Are the World," U.S.A. for Africa - It takes a village to raise a child and an ensemble to raise awareness. In 1985, parts of Africa were going through a famine and a number of recording artists came together as a collective called U.S.A. for Africa to record the hit single and album We Are the World. Written by Lionel Richie and Michael Jackson, and produced by Quincy Jones, the track was released on March 7, 1985, and sold over twenty million copies with the proceeds going toward famine.The song featured over 40 artists that included Jackson, Richie, Stevie Wonder, Willie Nelson, Bruce Springsteen, Diana Ross, Ray Charles and Cyndi Lauper.(Photo: Columbia Records)

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"We Are the World," U.S.A. for Africa - It takes a village to raise a child and an ensemble to raise awareness. In 1985, parts of Africa were going through a famine and a number of recording artists came together as a collective called U.S.A. for Africa to record the hit single and album We Are the World. Written by Lionel Richie and Michael Jackson, and produced by Quincy Jones, the track was released on March 7, 1985, and sold over twenty million copies with the proceeds going toward famine.The song featured over 40 artists that included Jackson, Richie, Stevie Wonder, Willie Nelson, Bruce Springsteen, Diana Ross, Ray Charles and Cyndi Lauper.(Photo: Columbia Records)

"We're All in the Same Gang," West Coast Rap All-Stars - L.A.'s gang epidemic was at an all time high in the '90s as thousands of kids were lost yearly to the streets. Former O.G. Crip Michael Concepcion orchestrated a project with West Coast MCs coming together to promote peace and stop gang violence.Produced by Dr. Dre, "We're All in the Same Gang" featured Ice-T, Eazy-E, MC Ren, MC Hammer, Tone Loc, Young MC and J.J. Fadd, among others, and was released on May 16, 1990.(Photo: Warner Bros Records)

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"We're All in the Same Gang," West Coast Rap All-Stars - L.A.'s gang epidemic was at an all time high in the '90s as thousands of kids were lost yearly to the streets. Former O.G. Crip Michael Concepcion orchestrated a project with West Coast MCs coming together to promote peace and stop gang violence.Produced by Dr. Dre, "We're All in the Same Gang" featured Ice-T, Eazy-E, MC Ren, MC Hammer, Tone Loc, Young MC and J.J. Fadd, among others, and was released on May 16, 1990.(Photo: Warner Bros Records)

"Self Destruction," The Stop the Violence Movement - With Black-on-Black crime running rampant, KRS-One assembled a dream team of spitters to come together on the posse cut "Self Destruction." Produced by D-Nice, the put-down-the-guns anthem included Kool Moe Dee, Heavy D, Boogie Down Productions, Stetsasonic, MC Lyte, Public Enemy and a few other wordsmiths.Released in 1990, KRS came up with the idea after a young fan was killed at a fight during one of his shows with P.E. Bigger than just the song, The Stop the Violence movement was a coalition of artists working together in the community to bring about peace. (Photo: Jive)

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"Self Destruction," The Stop the Violence Movement - With Black-on-Black crime running rampant, KRS-One assembled a dream team of spitters to come together on the posse cut "Self Destruction." Produced by D-Nice, the put-down-the-guns anthem included Kool Moe Dee, Heavy D, Boogie Down Productions, Stetsasonic, MC Lyte, Public Enemy and a few other wordsmiths.Released in 1990, KRS came up with the idea after a young fan was killed at a fight during one of his shows with P.E. Bigger than just the song, The Stop the Violence movement was a coalition of artists working together in the community to bring about peace. (Photo: Jive)

"U Will Know," B.M.U. (Black Men United) - In 1994, the R&B world came together as D'Angelo created the compilation song "U Will Know," shedding light on the rapid deaths of young African-American males due to Black-on-Black crime. Featured on the Jason's Lyric soundtrack, the anthem harmonized the voices of the likes of R. Kelly, Brian McKnight, El Debarge, Usher, Tevin Campbell, Keith Sweat, Joe and Gerald Levert. Proceeds from the record were donated to charities and to promote the message of peace.(Photo: Mercury Records)

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"U Will Know," B.M.U. (Black Men United) - In 1994, the R&B world came together as D'Angelo created the compilation song "U Will Know," shedding light on the rapid deaths of young African-American males due to Black-on-Black crime. Featured on the Jason's Lyric soundtrack, the anthem harmonized the voices of the likes of R. Kelly, Brian McKnight, El Debarge, Usher, Tevin Campbell, Keith Sweat, Joe and Gerald Levert. Proceeds from the record were donated to charities and to promote the message of peace.(Photo: Mercury Records)

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"We Are The World 25 For Haiti," Artists For Haiti - "We Are the World 25 for Haiti" was released in 2010 after the devastating earthquake hit the Caribbean island. Bringing the original classic back into spotlight, this version featured current artists from today as well as a few of your favorite MCs spitting a few bars. The repurposed Haiti version features Wyclef Jean, Jennifer Hudson, Mary J. Blige, Janet Jackson, Barbra Streisand, Jamie Foxx, Usher, Celine Dion, Lil Wayne, Akon, Kanye West, will.i.am and Nipsey Hussle, among others."We Are the World 25 for Haiti" was released Feb. 12, 2010, during the opening ceremony of the 2010 Winter Olympics, and raised millions for the cause.(Photo: Kevin Mazur/Handout) 

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"We Are The World 25 For Haiti," Artists For Haiti - "We Are the World 25 for Haiti" was released in 2010 after the devastating earthquake hit the Caribbean island. Bringing the original classic back into spotlight, this version featured current artists from today as well as a few of your favorite MCs spitting a few bars. The repurposed Haiti version features Wyclef Jean, Jennifer Hudson, Mary J. Blige, Janet Jackson, Barbra Streisand, Jamie Foxx, Usher, Celine Dion, Lil Wayne, Akon, Kanye West, will.i.am and Nipsey Hussle, among others."We Are the World 25 for Haiti" was released Feb. 12, 2010, during the opening ceremony of the 2010 Winter Olympics, and raised millions for the cause.(Photo: Kevin Mazur/Handout) 

"Freedom," Various Artists - The sirens of R&B showed their sisterhood in 1995 as they convened for the song "Freedom" from the film Panther, about the Black revolutionary organization. The track and video were recorded paying homage to female civil rights fighters like Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, Sojourner Truth, Assata Shakur, Angela Davis and Shirley Chisolm.Aaliyah, Mary J. Blige, En Vogue, Xscape, Karyn White, SWV, TLC, Me’Shell NdegéOcello and Vanessa Williams were among the many harmonizing on the uplifting melody."Freedom" was originally recorded by alternative R&B singer Joi in 1994; Dallas Austin produced her version as well as the all-star cover.(Photo: Mercury Records)

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"Freedom," Various Artists - The sirens of R&B showed their sisterhood in 1995 as they convened for the song "Freedom" from the film Panther, about the Black revolutionary organization. The track and video were recorded paying homage to female civil rights fighters like Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, Sojourner Truth, Assata Shakur, Angela Davis and Shirley Chisolm.Aaliyah, Mary J. Blige, En Vogue, Xscape, Karyn White, SWV, TLC, Me’Shell NdegéOcello and Vanessa Williams were among the many harmonizing on the uplifting melody."Freedom" was originally recorded by alternative R&B singer Joi in 1994; Dallas Austin produced her version as well as the all-star cover.(Photo: Mercury Records)

"What's Going On," Artists Against AIDS Worldwide - Artists Against AIDS Worldwide released the album What’s Going On on October 30, 2001. The project contained multiple versions of Marvin Gaye's classic with various artists and musicians and its proceeds benefited AIDS programs in Africa and other distressed countries as well as The American Red Cross's September 11 Relief Fund because the attack occurred right after the song was recorded.The radio version was produced by Jermaine Dupri and Bono; that and eight other renditions included stars like Usher, The Backstreet Boys, *NSYNC, Mary J. Blige, Destiny's Child, Nelly, Alicia Keys, Britney Spears, Wyclef Jean, Christina Aguilera, Gwen Stefani and Jennifer Lopez.(Photo: Columbia Records)

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"What's Going On," Artists Against AIDS Worldwide - Artists Against AIDS Worldwide released the album What’s Going On on October 30, 2001. The project contained multiple versions of Marvin Gaye's classic with various artists and musicians and its proceeds benefited AIDS programs in Africa and other distressed countries as well as The American Red Cross's September 11 Relief Fund because the attack occurred right after the song was recorded.The radio version was produced by Jermaine Dupri and Bono; that and eight other renditions included stars like Usher, The Backstreet Boys, *NSYNC, Mary J. Blige, Destiny's Child, Nelly, Alicia Keys, Britney Spears, Wyclef Jean, Christina Aguilera, Gwen Stefani and Jennifer Lopez.(Photo: Columbia Records)

"King Holiday," King Dream Chorus and Holiday Crew - This was a single released to celebrate the first Martin Luther King Jr. Day on January 20, 1986. It was recorded by the King Dream Chorus and Holiday Crew. The "Chorus" featured R&B singers El DeBarge, Whitney Houston, New Edition, Menudo, Stacy Lattisaw, Lisa Lisa, Full Force, Teena Marie, Stephanie Mills and James "J.T." Taylor of Kool & The Gang.The "Crew" was made up of Kurtis Blow, The Fat Boys, Whodini, Run-DMC and Grandmaster Melle Mel. M.L.K.'s son Dexter executive produced the project and all proceeds were donated to the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change.(Photo: Mercury Records)

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"King Holiday," King Dream Chorus and Holiday Crew - This was a single released to celebrate the first Martin Luther King Jr. Day on January 20, 1986. It was recorded by the King Dream Chorus and Holiday Crew. The "Chorus" featured R&B singers El DeBarge, Whitney Houston, New Edition, Menudo, Stacy Lattisaw, Lisa Lisa, Full Force, Teena Marie, Stephanie Mills and James "J.T." Taylor of Kool & The Gang.The "Crew" was made up of Kurtis Blow, The Fat Boys, Whodini, Run-DMC and Grandmaster Melle Mel. M.L.K.'s son Dexter executive produced the project and all proceeds were donated to the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change.(Photo: Mercury Records)

"The Points," Various Artists - “The Points” was a single from the 1995 Panther soundtrack that paid homage to the Black Panther’s "Ten Point Plan." The cut featured MCs spitting from a revolutionary agenda, encouraging Black men to see themselves as kings, and tackled Black-on-Black crime and police brutality.The collaborative posse cut starred Big Mike, The Notorious B.I.G., Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Buckshot, Busta Rhymes, Coolio, Digable Planets, Heltah Skeltah, Ill Al Skratch, Jamal from Illegal, the Menace Clan, Redman and the 5th Ward Boyz. (Photo: Mercury Records)

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"The Points," Various Artists - “The Points” was a single from the 1995 Panther soundtrack that paid homage to the Black Panther’s "Ten Point Plan." The cut featured MCs spitting from a revolutionary agenda, encouraging Black men to see themselves as kings, and tackled Black-on-Black crime and police brutality.The collaborative posse cut starred Big Mike, The Notorious B.I.G., Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Buckshot, Busta Rhymes, Coolio, Digable Planets, Heltah Skeltah, Ill Al Skratch, Jamal from Illegal, the Menace Clan, Redman and the 5th Ward Boyz. (Photo: Mercury Records)

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"Voices That Care," Voices That Care - "Voices That Care" was a project recorded to support the troops fighting in Desert Storm and the International Red Cross organization. The song features vocalists from various genres, like Ralph Tresvant, Bobby Brown, Randy Travis, Celine Dion, Luther Vandross, Michael Bolton and Garth Brooks.Although it didn’t have as huge an impact as expected because the war ended soon after the project and DVD were released, profits were still donated to the causes.(Photo: Giant Records)

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"Voices That Care," Voices That Care - "Voices That Care" was a project recorded to support the troops fighting in Desert Storm and the International Red Cross organization. The song features vocalists from various genres, like Ralph Tresvant, Bobby Brown, Randy Travis, Celine Dion, Luther Vandross, Michael Bolton and Garth Brooks.Although it didn’t have as huge an impact as expected because the war ended soon after the project and DVD were released, profits were still donated to the causes.(Photo: Giant Records)

"Come Together Now," Artists for Hurricane Relief - Game, John Legend, Chingy, Patti La Belle and Celine Dion were just a handful of artist that came together in 2005 to record "Come Together Now." Released Nov. 21, 2005, the song was recorded to raise funds for the victims of Hurricane Katrina and the 2004 Indian Ocean Earthquake, which caused several tsunamis. Mya, Wyclef Jean, Ruben Studdard, Anthony Hamilton and Brian McKnight were also a few others who lent their pipes on the charity orchestration.(Photo: Universal Distribution)

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"Come Together Now," Artists for Hurricane Relief - Game, John Legend, Chingy, Patti La Belle and Celine Dion were just a handful of artist that came together in 2005 to record "Come Together Now." Released Nov. 21, 2005, the song was recorded to raise funds for the victims of Hurricane Katrina and the 2004 Indian Ocean Earthquake, which caused several tsunamis. Mya, Wyclef Jean, Ruben Studdard, Anthony Hamilton and Brian McKnight were also a few others who lent their pipes on the charity orchestration.(Photo: Universal Distribution)

"Freedom (Dirty Dozen Mix / Rap Version)," Various Artists - The sistas of hip hop unified on the rap version of "Freedom" from the Panther soundtrack, which was released May 2, 1995. Promoting female empowerment and saluting queens like Rosa Parks and Harriet Tubman, the conscious track featured Salt-N-Pepa, Queen Latifah, Left-Eye, Yo Yo, MC Lyte, Da 5 Footaz, Patra and Me'Shell Ndegéocello.The song and video also shed light on the role that revolutionary sisters played in the Black Panther Party and the civil rights movement.(Photo: Mercury Records)

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"Freedom (Dirty Dozen Mix / Rap Version)," Various Artists - The sistas of hip hop unified on the rap version of "Freedom" from the Panther soundtrack, which was released May 2, 1995. Promoting female empowerment and saluting queens like Rosa Parks and Harriet Tubman, the conscious track featured Salt-N-Pepa, Queen Latifah, Left-Eye, Yo Yo, MC Lyte, Da 5 Footaz, Patra and Me'Shell Ndegéocello.The song and video also shed light on the role that revolutionary sisters played in the Black Panther Party and the civil rights movement.(Photo: Mercury Records)