Hip-Hop Reacts to Trayvon Martin

The Trayvon Martin killing by George Zimmerman in Sanford, FL is making national news and has turned into a civil rights cause with even President Obama commenting on the case. What we know is that neighborhood watch member, George Zimmerman, 28, shot and killed 17-year-old Trayvon Martin and was not arrested or charged using Florida's controversial "Stand Your Ground" law as cover. The case is now unfolding on a national stage with new information being released daily and many people outraged and calling out for justice organizing protests and vigils around the country. The case has brought up racial tensions amongst African-Americans and Caucasians with many citing the race of Trayvon as the reason for the lack of police investigation and action initially.

For more information on the Trayvon Martin case, CLICK HERE.

Many politicians, community leaders and celebrities have been reacting and commenting on the case and the Hip-Hop community is no different.

In an interview with radio personality, Angie Martinez, rap artist Nas commented on the racial tensions present in the case, "You never want to hear that kind of news," said Nas in the interview. "When it happens, you remember how many Trayvon incidents happen everyday all over the world. ...It doesn't seem like the race problem will ever get solved. I like to be optimistic, but it doesn't seem like it'll ever get solved." He's also joined the thousands of Trayvon supporters in wearing a hoodie to the interview stating, "That's a sickness that needs healing, that this guy Zimmerman is dealing with, and all the Zimmermans around the world. They're dealing with a self-hatred, ignorant, sickness. They're living in fear. So I'm rocking a hoodie for my man." (Source: HipHopDX)

L.A. rapper, The Game has also weighed in on the issue, "I think that from the beginning of mankind, we as a people have always been targeted," adding that "This is just another reminder that stupidity still exists." Check out his thoughts as expressed to MTV.com below:

Get More: Music News

Political rapper and activist Chuck D of Public Enemy has called for Rick Ross to record a song honoring Trayvon Martin on his twitter:

RollingOut.com featured a whole slideshow with celebs donning the hoodies in support of Trayvon Martin including Hip-Hop & R&B artists: Diddy, Nelly, Ludacris, The-Dream, Frank Ocean and Swizz Beatz to name a few. 

Florida rapper, Plies and Miami rapper, Alyric are amongst a few artists that have created songs honoring Trayvon and commenting on the case and injustice in general. Check out some of the vids below and on the Ivy League Videos page. 

"We Are Trayvon" x Plies

"This My Hoodie" x Alyric

"God Don't Love Me (RIP Trayvon Martin)" x Mistah F.A.B.

I'm sure in the next coming weeks as the case unfolds we will hear more and more reactions. The tragedy of Trayvon Martin is an opportunity for us as a community to inform ourselves about the laws that govern us and a call for action for Trayvon doesn't stop at rallies or vigils or when the case is finally over. Engage in your civic responsibilities and use the right to vote to put people in place that will protect citizens and uphold the law. 

Please leave your comments on the case and/or Hip-Hop's reaction below. 

On a personal note: The Ivy League supports the movement: Justice 4 Trayvon (and all other "Trayvons" out there)! #1MillionHoodies

Follow us on Twitter: 

@TheIvyLeaguePR | @IvonneLuciaPR

Join the Facebook Group: www.Facebook.com/groups/IvyLeaguePR