You and Me and Turf Unity

J-Mill-ion

I love the concept of turf unity: creating peace on the streets and silencing the violence one block at a time, while using hip-hop as a medium of communication, expression, and ultimately, transcendence.

The reality is that the problems facing the inner city are much, much bigger than hip-hop--but hey, everyone's got to start somewhere.

The just-released Turf Unity Volume 3 compilation, which adds an eco message to the anti-violence themes expressed on the previous two volumes, features emerging artists O-Zone, J-Mill-ion, Queen Deelah, Franceyez, Trinidad, Chaos da Kader, D.Nok, Diamond, Sunni Days, Truth & Wisdom, Western Conference, A1, Nemesis, MopHeads, The Coldest, Ron G, and Virtuous. A project put together by Cov Records and Art in Action, it's affiliated with a bevy of local urban non-profits, including Grind 4 the Green, United Playaz, and Urban Peace Movement.

A showcase/ record release party, hosted by Lady Blue and DJ Fuze, takes place this Thursday, June 11, at the Oakland Metro, featuring performances from Turf Unity artists, with special guests San Quinn, Fiyawata, Philthy Rich, and others. It's an alcohol-free, all ages show, and proceeds go directly to the youth artists. Here's where you come in. Project organizer Galen Peterson has asked for help from community members with tabling, security, and documentation (photographing or videotaping); if that's something that appeals to you, give him a call at 510-832-0196 or email him here. For more info about Turf Unity, click here , or here.