In times of crisis, rappers have been known to help out. Due to being faced with the once-in-a-lifetime global pandemic known as COVID-19, some of the hottest artists in the game have looked beyond the customary monetary donations and hashtag sharing and have approached the giving back concept in unorthodox and creative ways. The long list of rap stars that have been in a giving mood includes the likes of Megan Thee Stallion, Diddy, Future, Eminem and many others.
ULTRA takes a look at some of the unique ways rap stars have been giving back during the COVID-19 crisis.
Diddyâs hosts a Dance-A-Thon
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Diddy knows how to get the party started. In hopes of spreading love and raising funds, the music mogul threw one of the biggest parties in recent memory. Brother Loveâs virtual soiree featured appearances from Drake, Jennifer Lopez, Will Smith, Megan Thee Stallion, Cardi B, LeBron James and many others and raised well over $3.5 million in support of Direct Reliefâs efforts to serve those âdisproportionately affected by emergenciesâ such as COVID-19.
Megan Thee Stallion Cash Apps fansÂ
To all my hotties that need a lil extra cash during this crazy time I got you ! #HottiesAtHome đ – use the hash tag and drop your cash app names OR drop the cash app name of some #HealthcareHotties in need. Stay safe and be blessed đ https://t.co/H8O7IO0n3t)
â HOT GIRL MEG (@theestallion) April 8, 2020
âTo all my hotties that need a lil extra cash during this crazy time I got you,â promised Megan Thee Stallion. Taking a direct-to-consumer approach when deciding to give back, the Hot Girl partnered with Cash App to get donations in the hands of fans who submitted their Cash App names and utilized the #HottiesAtHome hashtag. The Houston-native also announced that proceeds from her Beyonce-blessed âSavageâ remix will be donated to Bread of Life Houston.
Birdman pays rent for a month
Birdman has always put on for the city of New Orleans. In response to COVID-19, the Cash Money Records founder offered to pay the rent of people currently living on his side of the Nola for the month of May.Â
Future Delivers with His #MaskOn Campaign
Through his FreeWishes Foundation, Future launched the #MaskOn Campaign. The âMask Offâ rapperâs initiative, which was created in response to the COVID-19 crisis, is said to have delivered more than 100,000 masks to healthcare professionals fighting on the frontlines and also to patients who have been hospitalized.
Quality Control delivers the groceriesÂ
Quality Control, the record label and management firm behind Migos, Cardi B, Lil Baby and Lil Yachty is known for feeding the streets with trap anthems and hit records. In the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, hip-hopâs current leading label has pledged at least $100,000 through a partnership with Goodr to purchase groceries for families in the ATL.Â
Cardi B helps out her hometownÂ
Cardi B is putting her money where her mouth is to help those who are underserved and in need during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result of the outspoken rap starâs collaboration with OWYN, New York City-area hospital employees, who have often gone without eating due to intense work schedules, are getting access to over 20,000 healthy plant-based supplement drinks. She also connected with clothing brand Fashion Nova to give away $1 million to fans that could use some financial support. â#FashionNovaCARES & I are giving away $1,000 EVERY HOUR until weâve given away $1 MILLION DOLLARS to those directly affected by this crisis,” explained Cardi.Â
Lecrae sets up hand-washing stations for homeless
Knowing that washing hands has proven helpful in slowing the spread of the COVID-19, Grammy Award-winning rapper Lecrae linked up with an Atlanta-based nonprofit called Love Beyond Walls to provide portable handwashing centers for the homeless.Â
Jay-Z and Meek Mill provide protective gear to inmates and Correctional workersÂ
Jay-Z and Meek Mill, along with their justice reform organization REFORM Alliance, have been looking out for those behind bars during the COVID-19 crisis. The Roc Boys and crew have given protective gear, including 130,000 surgical masks to jails and prisons across the country, benefiting inmates, as well as staff members at the correctional facilities. Meek has also participated in Philadelphia 76ersâ co-owner Michael Rubinâs âAll In Challengeâ by pledging to donate his 2018 Rolls-Royce Phantom.
Eminem delivers momâs spaghetti and rare Air Jordans
Eminem Donated Spaghetti Cups to DMC Hospital Healthcare Workers in Detroit Tonight pic.twitter.com/aozKJpiLxr
â RileyTaugor đ RR (@RileyTaugor) April 21, 2020
Playing the role of a hometown hero, Eminem has been lending his helping hands to Detroit workers who have been impacted on the frontlines by COVID-19. For several weeks, the âSupermanâ rapper had cartons of Momâs Spaghetti delivered to 400 Detroit-area hospital workers. Also, in support of the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund, Em unleashed a pair of his Eminem X Carhartt Air Jordan 4 sneakers. Sneakerheads and Eminem Stans could enter a $10-raffle for a chance to cop the extremely rare kicks that come with a $20,000-price tag.
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