(BLACK PR WIRE) (NEW YORK, NY) – For years, rap music has been a controversial topic due to its explicit content and views. Appealing primarily to generations of urban youth, the graphic gang and sexually-oriented messages expressed in it can have damaging effects on the mind-set of society’s youth. Young people in urban areas have adopted the thug/gangster mentality praised in rap music and are set on a steady path of self-destruction. In light of society’s glorification of violence, going against the grain might seem insurmountable for some but not for BK Music recording artist, Kevin L. Stepson of the legendary Ray Charles, Kevin L is a revolutionary Rhythm and Praise (R&P) artist delivering positive messages. This talented visionary is the founder of The H13 Project which serves as a solution to the epidemics affecting our neighborhoods. The national impact of the H13 Project has been so effective and profound that human rights activist, Reverend Al Sharpton, decided to unite with Kevin L on this nationwide movement. Rev. Sharpton, a leader in the fight to discourage abusive rap lyrics, commends Kevin L on his use of clean lyrics and has joined the H13 Project to serve as spokesperson. Negative criticism and death threats have not deterred him from continuing his efforts to hold those accountable for degrading lyrical content. The undaunted Rev. Sharpton states, “Every record company has what they call a lyrics committee, where they screen lyrics to make sure they’re not against police, or gays or Jews. Well, how come they’re clearing lyrics against blacks and women?” Rev. Sharpton and Kevin L believe media conglomerates such as Viacom, who own and operate BET (Black Entertainment Television) and MTV (Music Television) networks, should be reprimanded for airing content harmful to citizens. Day in and day out, impressionable urban youth view content on these networks debasing and denigrating the Black population. Unopposed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), these networks are allowed to transmit socially–abrasive messages and generate millions of revenue to the detriment of society.

With the popularity of offensive rap music and the increase in crime plaguing urban communities, there’s an urgency to address these issues. According to recent national FBI statistics, crime (murder, rape, larceny, etc.) has significantly risen and is being committed by youth. KEVIN L created the H13 Project to provide mentoring, through school and community outreach, for children nationwide lacking direction. The H13 Project will directly enter neighborhoods with high incidences of crime to encourage youth to reach for the skies and not the tech nine. Cities such as Newark, NJ will be visited where there have been approximately 20 killings within the last 3 months and where high school statistics are horrifying - students entering high school are testing below the 6th grade level. Baltimore, MD, ranking 12th amongst most dangerous cities in the U.S. and the 2nd most dangerous city in the U.S. with a population over 500,000, will also be visited. Philadelphia, PA is targeted due to increasing numbers of students attacking teachers and sabotaging classroom learning. The H13 Project targets other urban cities including Atlanta, GA, Chicago, IL and Washington, D.C. to lend assistance.

The media industry needs to become actively involved because the actions of one affect us all. For more information on KEVIN L and the H13 Project log onto www.souledoutcd.com.