THE HIP-HOP PIONEERS MEDICAL HEALTH AND DENTAL CARE PROGRAM

We are all aware that over 50 million Americans have little or no Medical Health or Dental Care Insurance. The forefathers- who are the pioneers of the hip hop culture are falling in to this very statistic because they are coming to an age where they need assistance from you. “The Ground Breakers” are a handful of original hip hop pioneers who have teamed up with Praise, Peace & Pride, Inc., a legitimate 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization to host a series of Pioneer Tribute Showcases to raise awareness and funds for The Hip-Hop Pioneers Medical Health and Dental Care Program.

The Hip-Hop Pioneers’ Medical Health and Dental Care program began formulating in 2007 after an interview with a hip-hop pioneer named Rodney Stone. He is professionally known as Rodney C!, one-half of The Original Double Trouble, featured in the first Hip-Hop, Break-dance & Graffiti movie ever created entitled “Wild Style”. He’s also formerly of the Funky Four Plus One More and the Funky 4+1. It wasn’t until after an interview, while taking pictures, it was noticed Mr. Stone only grinned and never smiled. He then was asked, “Why don’t you smile?” He replied that he lost his partials and he had no insurance to cover replacements or the dental work that he preferred.

During the time when he had insurance, Rodney had over 10 teeth pulled including his Incisors 8 and 9 (the two top front teeth). At this present time, Mr. Stone has no medical or dental insurance at all. Yes, he is one of over 70% of minority Americans with little or no medical insurance, and another fact is over 85% of those who are officially recognized as pioneers in the hip-hop culture are also facing this same dilemma.“The Hip-Hop Pioneers’ Medical Health and Dental Care Program” is intended to fulfill the needs that insurance companies claim they can’t and/or refuse to pay. Fortunately for all the pioneers, we’re here to help. Now Mr. Stone is hopeful and he feels that the love he put into Hip-hop is now returning.

The Ground Breakers and Praise, Peace & Pride, Inc. will continue to work to help make a difference in the lives of all Hip-Hop Pioneers like Mr. Stone. Every pioneer affected by the lack of medical health and dental care will have reason to be hopeful like Mr. Stone because great steps are being taken to create ways for medical and dental issues to be addressed for the pioneers and their families.

To date, we are aware of 25+ original Hip-Hop Pioneers that are still alive and we plan to provide them and their immediate family members with financial assistance to remedy all quality of life issues they may be facing. This program will be there to assist them to make their lives a bit more comfortable.

We understand that within the entertainment industry, certain standards for marketing appeal are at the top of the priority list, and we realize that great health and a perfect smile are necessities to be successful. However, if an artist is not healthy or comfortable with his/her appearance it will have a profound affect on his/her performance (as an artist) and careers as a whole.

Some known linked health issues are: Depression, Insomnia, Eating disorders, Anxiety, as well as other problems that can arise from a complex such as; Alcoholism and substance abuse that lead to addictions which can also lead to isolation and public withdrawal. This affects a performer’s financial stability, which may cause stress, which too has been proven to cause health problems.

Grant it, So many people exploit the hip hop culture and have profited a great deal from what the Hip Hop Pioneers have created, and still when asked- “What about the Pioneers”? The true Pioneers, most look the other way. Let the truth be told, this is a historical moment. Actually, “this is history in the making” and we need you to show your love and respect by giving your support to the preservation of our hip hop icons and their contributions to the world.