'Crime Is Not A Game' Youth Summit review

By Jon-Anders Kindberg

Ocean , Hackney, London - 10 October 2004

The Situation visited the Crime is Not a Game Youth Summit in Hackney on a relatively dull and grey Sunday afternoon. However, there was nothing dull or grey about the event about to take place.

With scheduled seminars on crime related topics, performances by community youth groups, a Ruff Ryders fashion show and appearances by many fresh faces in UK hip-hop, the first ever Crime Is Not A Game Youth Summit was off to a good start. After a thorough body check and a walk through the metal detectors, we were all set for a day of innovative crime fighting.

The event kicked off with a panel discussion on the causes and effects of street crime, with a panel including representatives from the MET police, several youth organisations and the Black Police Association.

Following that was a youth talent competition, with teams of contestants showing an array of impressive talents used to put forward a strong anti-crime message. Singing, rapping, acting, dancing and readings of poetry were enthusiastically shown off, all of it created and performed by young people wanting to take a stand against rising levels of street crime.

After an afternoon break, it was time to party. Presented by Kat B, known for his work with Choice FM and his many appearances on MTV Base and The Lick, the show was kicked off by a visit from The Jump Off crew hosting a break-dance battle. With backbreaking moves leaving the audience amazed, two crews battled it out on stage for a cash prize and the respect of victory.

When the beef had been settled, female rapper Naila Boss entered the stage and tore it up with a fiery performance. She also made the only artist appeal of the night against youth crime, informing the crowd that violence isn’t “cool,” and advocating more love in the streets. Performances by UK artists Gemma Fox, Tubby T and Shystie followed, all of them giving the audience their money’s worth.

After a blasting fashion show put on by the Ruff Ryders clothing line, everything was set for the final of Search For A Star, a youth talent competition with the winner receiving a single and video deal with Eastside Records and a 12 month clothing sponsorship with Ruff Ryders. Just so you know, the amazing talents shown in this contest certainly promise great things for the future of UK hip-hop.

Further performances by ladies’ man Nathan and rapper Klashnekoff wrapped up the event, and it was time to say goodnight for the first of hopefully many more youth summits.

As I was leaving the Ocean, it seemed clear to me that the event had achieved what it intended. With a great variety of styles and expressions, members of the hip-hop community had come together in Hackney in an effort to prove that crime is not the way to go. And they had certainly succeeded in getting that point across.

Return To Concert Review Archive

US Music | Clubs | Front Page | UK Music | Events