In its early days, hip hop was a way for urban youth to have a voice.

When that voice got too loud, large corporations took over and started promoting the hollow, excess-obsessed, over-commercialized music that rules the charts today.

The spirit of true hip hop was alive and well at the University of Michigan-Dearborn on Thursday, April 16 as the school’s chapter of Amnesty International put on its 4th Annual Poetry Slam for Human Rights. More than 200 people attended the popular event.

Emceed by popular rock/rap artist Richy Nix of Windsor, the event featured performers representing Detroit and Dearborn tackling issues ranging from occupation in Palestine and torture in prison camps to inner city turmoil.

Popular Windsor rapper/singer Richy Nix performs at the University of Michigan-Dearborn’s 4th Annual Poetry Slam for Human Rights.

Most used spoken word and fast-paced rhymes to get their messages across while performer Big A of Dearborn performed over a beat for more of a classic rap style as he rhymed about issues affecting the Middle East. He talked about the state of hip hop and using it as a tool for social commentary.
“There are countless hip hop artists who have very positive messages in their music, but the problem is the big business of the music industry doesn’t promote such acts,” he said. “Instead they only show the material-obsessed side.”

Former Amnesty President and current member Abdullateef Muhiuddin talked about the inspiration for the event.

Omari Barksdale of Detroit performs during the 4th Annual Poetry Slam for Human Rights at the University of Michigan-Dearborn on April 16. PHOTOS: Nick Meyer/TAAN

“I was always interested in the arts and spoken word,” he said. “I saw the opportunity to create my own event and since it was part of Amnesty’s mission to spread awareness about human rights, I figured this was the perfect opportunity.”
Ammar Killawi of Dearborn won the competition on the night for his performance, many of which featured Palestine-themed rhymes. An art contest for human rights-themed pieces was also held with Gieric Laput winning first place.

Big A, who served as an opening act, talked about the thrill of performing in front of a college audience.

“Performing always brings the feeling of being a part of a community because this is how I see myself connecting to people. It’s through my music,” he said.

“The poets were amazing, it’s always a blessing to connect with other artists and learn from them. It was great to perform in front of the U of M students and reconnect with them after being at the same event last year.”

Muhiuddin will graduate in December but said that he expects Amnesty to continue the popular event next year.