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Named the Grassroots Artists MovEment (G.A.ME), Inc. by artists Erykah Badu, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, and Dead Prez, G.A.ME is an international non-profit membership organization with the mission of using Hip-Hop to organize the community around sociopolitical and economic issues facing the black and Latino community. G.A.ME focuses in the areas of preventing youth incarceration, providing healthcare, and developing an artist union. G.A.MEs central and local administrations hold regular democratic meetings that offer members a voice in every aspect of the organization.
Since being founded in 2001, G.A.ME, Inc. has brought positive and influential Hip-Hop artists into the organization. We developed a diverse CD compilation titled Get in the G.A.ME that features notable artists Dead Prez and Immortal Technique. G.A.ME was invited to the first National Hip-Hop Political Convention 04 to speak on health disparities. We have been featured in Hip-Hop magazines Russell Simmons One World, XXL, the Source and other publications such as Village Voice, Caribbean Life and Daily Challenge; we have been publicized and interviewed on the airwaves of Future Flavas on Power 105.1FM and Hot97, the Source Radio, and programs Rise Up Radio and Building Bridges on WBAI 99.5FM.
International Artists Union (IAU)
G.A.ME has been defending artist rights and developing the first international artist union to protect all musicians, including Hip-Hop artists. From conception, supporting and protecting artists has been G.A.MEs hallmark and initial focus. G.A.ME provides artists with assistance with understanding recording and performance contracts, promotional support, networking events, access to audio and studio equipment, publishing and copyright information, and financial resource assistance.
We offer our membership an abundance of opportunities and fuel our unions organizing efforts with the unique formation of two committees (Recording & Media and Events) that functions within each local chapter.
In 2004, G.A.ME developed the G.A.ME HealthCare Network in which we provided free medical, dental, and free to low-cost prescription for G.A.ME members from physicians organized through our grassroots efforts. We address health diseases such as HIV/AIDS and asthma through structured campaigns throughout the U.S. and in Lagos, Nigeria. G.A.ME plans quarterly health screenings and regular forums on health education. G.A.ME recently testified before the Congressional Hearing on the U.S. HealthCare Crisis at Riverside Church on behalf of artists and the uninsured population.
The R.E.B.E.L Program (Rallying, Educating & Building Effective Leadership)
The R.E.B.E.L Program aims to assist youth of color to articulate their rebelliousness and channel their anger into productive community organizing. We’re training a whole new Rebel.
Youth participants, ages 14-25 take a 14-week course to develop their morale, leadership capabilities, analytical thinking skills, and enhance their organizing strategies. Youth participants are offered free services through G.A.ME for the duration of the 14-week training, including employment opportunities.
•Youth participants will study self-determination and leadership skills
•Youth will learn how to value themselves and their community and how to present their issues to the public
•Participants will also study law, government, and media
•In addition to learning what is necessary to becoming a law-abiding community leader, youth will carry out their personal projects through G.A.ME’s resources
The goal of R.E.B.E.L is to encourage young people of color to take on the responsibility of leadership in their community. By addressing their own problems in the community such as political injustice, youth violence, drug trafficking, HIV/AIDS, and the lack of community resources.
