Music artists AC MC, Skuff, and Shaya unite to combat knife crime using their music as a platform.
In a powerful display of artistic activism, UK-based musicians AC MC, Skuff, and Shaya have joined forces to create a poignant musical commentary on the harrowing issue of knife crime. Titled as such, the track aims to bridge gaps, spark conversations, and compel action against the violence that has affected many communities.
The collaboration came about as a response to the growing concern over knife violence, particularly among youth in the UK. By pooling their talents, the artists created a powerful song that tackles the serious issue head-on, with the goal of educating listeners and inspiring change.
Shaya's vocals are jazz-tinged and add emotional depth to the lyrics, while Skuff infuses the track with jazzy piano melodies and orchestral elements. AC MC wrote the lyrics after DJ Intro's son was murdered, referencing historical racial persecution, the murder of Kiyan Prince and Damilola Taylor, and his experiences working with young offenders and gang members in London.
The lyrics and tone of the track reflect the harsh realities and consequences of knife crime, aiming to resonate with audiences who might be directly or indirectly affected by it. The track is a call for an end to the cycle of violence, and it has received positive feedback from listeners, DJs, MCs in the drum & bass community, and BBC 1xtra presenters.
In a move to amplify their efforts, 25% of the track's profits will be donated to The Ben Kinsella Trust, an organization dedicated to tackling knife crime through education. The Ben Kinsella Trust was established in memory of Ben Kinsella, a young man who was tragically murdered in London in 2008. The organization works to prevent knife crime, support victims, and promote safer communities.
The collaboration has had a multifaceted impact:
- Raising Awareness: The song has brought increased attention to knife crime, encouraging discussions around prevention and the social factors involved.
- Supporting Victims: Donations to The Ben Kinsella Trust help fund programs that support victims and work towards reducing knife-related incidents.
- Community Engagement: Through concerts, social media, and events tied to the release, the artists have engaged youth and community leaders in conversations about alternatives to violence.
- Inspiring Social Change: The track adds to a body of artistic work used as a platform for social activism, leveraging the influence of music to promote positive messages.
Fighting Knife Crime London featured the video on their website, and a TikTok duet challenge was initiated to encourage other MCs and vocalists to remix the track. The TikTok handles for AC MC (@acmcdnb) and Shaya (@lashayah) were provided for those interested in getting involved in the remix challenge.
In an interview, AC MC shared that he was inspired by a documentary about Baltimore schools implementing meditation to positively impact children, and he suggests similar implementation in the UK. The collaboration underscores the potential of artists to contribute meaningfully to social issues by combining creative expression with charitable action, thereby amplifying efforts to combat knife crime and its effects on society.
The collaboration between AC MC, Skuff, and Shaya is a blend of entertainment and activism, using music as a platform to address the rising issue of knife crime in the UK. The poignant song, filled with emotionally charged vocals, jazzy compositions, and hard-hitting lyrics, aims to stimulate conversations about the violence and inspire change. Furthermore, the artists aim to support victims of knife crime by donating a portion of their track's profits to The Ben Kinsella Trust, an organization focused on preventing knife crime through education and supporting victims.
