Rakim, Smif-n-Wessum, Das EFX and More to Perform at 24 Hours of Peace Concert

Newark, N.J. is often seen as a hotbed for crime, but residents can expect a breather this weekend at the fifth annual 24 Hours of Peace, an event featuring concerts, conversation and community outreach programs. This year will be its biggest yet as Rakim, DJ Marley Marl, Smif-n-Wessum, Das EFX, DJ Evil Dee, Mister Cee and more are set to take the stage.

"I believe that hip-hop is the perfect solution to many of the ills we see in our community. It fosters self expression, it engages using culturally relevant content, and it provides the environment where young people optimistically take part – where self-expression and resources thrive, violence cannot," writes Hakim Green. founder of 24 Hours of Peace,

The community event will take place between Clinton Avenue between Bergen Street and Osborne Terrace, where four people were killed in August 2014. But for a full 24 hours from Fri. (Aug. 28) at 6 p.m. to Sat. (Aug. 29) at 6 p.m., fans will be able to see the God MC as well as other hip-hop legends, partake in a Town Hall discussion or sign up for a yoga and Zumba sessions.

Green believes that the event will provide a gateway to greatness for the youth.

"DJ skills opens the door to audio engineering, stage production, etc., with some DJs in 2015 consulting million dollar companies. A love for graffiti arts opens doors to all kinds of professions where an artistic eye and canvas are involved. The emcee is not just an emcee anymore, and the likes of Jay-Z and 50 Cent show and prove the point that we wield vast economic power and potential. Hip-hop can be used to identify skill sets that naturally flow from the person…even those who don’t possess a college degree or opportunities afforded to the masses," he continues.

For the event, Green partnered with Black Thought's GrassROOTS Community Foundation, 211 Community Impact and Giant Thinking.

Check out the lineup below.

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