STRENGTH OF A NATION 2

No One Deserves to Be Left Behind

THE PLAN

The Youth Development Research Fund (YDRF) has been advocating for the Hip Hop Generation through research, policy, and the development of innovative programs since 1999. As we face increasing high school drop-out rates and unprecedented levels of youth unemployment, it is evident that there is a need to balance the current trend of Hip Hop music that often glorifies the thug lifestyle. In order counterbalance this alluring way of life, it is important to not only state what happens when you live that life, but also present opportunities and avenues to avoid that lifestyle altogether.

In August 2006, YDRF is launching Strength of a Nation 2 – No One Deserves to Be Left Behind through Alive and Free Records (AFR), a division of YDRF that will be dedicated to promoting and producing original music to inspire and up-lift the Hip Hop Generation. Strength of a Nation 2 will include Hip Hop music from aspiring artists enrolled in youth and workforce development programs across the U.S.

It is our belief that during this critical time it is urgent for our young people to be inspired and raise their voice about the conditions that keep them unemployed or under-employed.

We feel that Strength of a Nation 2 (SON2) will be successful in providing a national outlet to help youth promote life, freedom, and future economic opportunity by releasing music that will contrast the current focus of commercial Hip Hop music with a revised approach to hardcore positivity – music that is positive but not trite.

From August 2006 through May 2007, youth (ages 14-21) from registered* youth programs may participate. With a network of more than 1,000 youth service organizations in 38 states, YDRF anticipates more than 100 programs will register for this very important effort. The revenue generated from this project will support ten $500 scholarship awards to the artists of selected tracks.

RULES

Artists must adhere to the following Truths:

All music must be free of vulgarity
No samples, all original music
Producers as well as artists must sign license agreement
Lyrics must be attached to submitted song

GET PAID

Developmental Scholarships will be awarded to sponsoring program for use by artist on any item or service designed to promote educational and employment achievement. Some uses are, but not limited to, purchases or payments related to: court fines and fees, restoration of driving privileges, interview clothing, work tools, computers, tuition, books, or seminars. All winners must submit picture, license agreement, bio, and image for appearance on www.ydrf.com. All winners must be actively participating at a satisfactory level or have graduated the program on a satisfactory basis.

New! View Contest Page

Throwbacks
INALEJ

Brooklyn, N.Y
On Volume 1, artist, INALEJ, blessed Strength of a Nation with his skills and acute verbal confidence.

Got Skills?

Listening to INALEJ: Life as an Infant

HERE’S HOW IT WORKS:

Commencing in September 2006, registered programs can start submitting tracks from students with a satisfactory level of participation. All Hip Hop tracks should focus on the challenges faced by out-of-school youth while achieving their personal, educational, and occupational goals. Each month, YDRF will post reviewed, submitted tracks on www.YDRF.com for the public’s listening pleasure. Registered programs will receive YDRF signature activities to use in conjunction with selected songs. These activities will focus on raising student awareness of issues that affect their socio-economic life chances. One of the tracks will be selected based on a review team of YDRF PSWs and staff to receive a $500 developmental scholarship* and be scheduled to appear on the SON2 Project, which will be released in June 2007.

All tracks submitted will be licensed to YDRF for release on the SON 2 CD. All registered programs’ companies will be promoted as supporters of the SON 2 Project in advertisements and promotional material.

REGISTER

*Program registration fee of $350 per site. A site is defined as a targeted funding stream dedicated to a particular group of students at a specific location. Additional site licenses can be purchased, at a discount, for organizations with multiple sites. Please contact YDRF for details.

All registered programs are entitled to: