Drug Aware Hip Hop Beats
Regional Arts WA
Young Geraldton locals were supported by auspice organisation Chrysalis Support Services to run Drug Aware Hip Hop Beats—a series of music and recording workshops with professional hip-hop artist Blake Young.
Blake Young delivered mentoring sessions with nine teenage girls from the SHINE program, and the group developed lyrics and music for a hip-hop song about the effects of drugs on families and communities. The recorded song was uploaded to YouTube and promoted through social media.
Blake Young also delivered a script-writing workshop to male and female Nagle Catholic College students, who developed a radio script to a hip-hop instrumental track to promote healthy relationships. The radio ad has been played on local radio stations Mama Radio and 98.1 Spirit.
Workshop participants learnt new artistic skills including musical timing, singing, writing lyrics, script development, collaboration and recording skills, and were also able to discuss social issues relevant to them in a supportive and creative environment.
Blake Young with the SHINE participants. Photographer: Mandy Jolley, Copyright Chrysalis Support Services
Project Name: Drug Aware Hip Hop Beats
Auspice organisation: Chrysalis Support Services
Amount approved: $4,000
Funding program: Drug Aware YCulture Regional
Region: Mid-West
“Coordinating this project was an experience that taught me many new skills. Prior to this event I had no knowledge on grant and acquittal writing. Not only did I learn a valuable skill in the work force, I was also taught how to handle situations with time management, positive attitude and determination”
“Not only did our workshop with Blake Young introduce many musical experiences, we also got to communicate with the artist in a non- professional, mentor way. He helped us on our confidence levels, boosting self-esteem but above all, taught us that it was okay to experience numerous amounts of emotions and handle them in positive ways. ”
Project Coordinator – Jasmine Brown, 15
