200+ Student Rappers keep it upbeat, bury the negative lyrics
Award-winning Youth Under Construction movement promotes respect through rap
DETROIT, MI : “Youth Under Construction, youth in development” and, “It’s an introduction for the young and intelligent”, are some of the lyrics being shared with young listeners and performers by a Detroit based program that teaches performing arts to youth and takes the resulting show on the road to schools, festivals, special events and churches. Mello-D’s “Youth Under Construction” (MDYUC) brings kids from all backgrounds to learn music and character education together.
Amid the recent maelstrom surrounding Don Imus ’ on air comments about the Rutgers Women’s Rugby team and current news reports about a renewed spotlight on rap lyrics, there is also an increased interest in established programs that are working to find avenues to deliver positive messages to youth.
Thirteen-year-old member Raven Rodriguez states: "I speak different and I act different... and I can control my attitude now. Listening to the lyrics of the song(s), made me think... I am going to be changing people all over the country.”
“The current entertainment culture programs kids to grow up to embody the images they hear and see”, says Director David Sawicki (A.K.A Mello-D) “ We are getting the message across that there are other paths to choose besides drug dealer, pimp or prostitute. We encourage kids to dream big , that they are only limited by their imagination and how much energy they are willing to bring to it.”
Youth Under Construction performers range from 7-22 years of age and come from all over the Detroit metropolitan area . Graduates of the performance workshop program join a pool of talent that is invited to perform live at various functions and assemblies.
The positive songs that Sawicki has written to provide the foundation of the performance workshops are also available on the group’s CD, titled “Youth Under Construction” . It is the group’s mission to ultimately put the CD in the hands of all young audience members. This Nationally-Award-Winning CD is available for purchase on the groups website: www.youngpop.com
Current plans include expanding the program into other cities. The organization invites corporate sponsorship support and collaborations with youth-serving non-profit organizations .
David Sawicki and his wife Lisa Lapides Sawicki began conducting the workshops in 1998. Childless themselves, they were still appalled at the content of some popular music and its accessibility to young impressionable minds. David, a musician and business owner, and Lisa, a publicist, decided they had the vision and the necessary tools to make a difference in young lives. Nine years later, they can proudly point to over 200 graduates of the program, a Parent’s Choice Gold Award, and positive reviews from Parenting Magazine, African American Family Magazine, and media outlets nationwide. They are also currently engaged in partnership programs with a local YMCA, the Skillman Foundation and several others.
Youth Under Construction exists to counteract the negativity in today’s pop music and culture because they believe “kids deserve a better rap.”
For more about Mello-D’s “Youth Under Construction”, or to schedule an interview, call 248-545-4411 or 248-399-8200. Their website, www.youngpop.com is a great resource for youth, parents, educators and aspiring performers. Photos, CDs, DVDs, and any graphics are available upon request.
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