Music Vs Gun Violence

forChicago Ideas Week

Silencing gun violence with one collective verse.

In Chicago, someone is shot every 3 hours. With 80% of gun crimes committed by young males, we knew who we needed to ask to put the guns down— but how could we get them to listen?

Hacking a donated Youtube brand page, we created an interactive music video featuring Chicago's best-known rap and drill artists: Common, King Louie (shot 5 times after laying down his verse), Joey Purp, Lil Herb, NoName, etc, and launched it with a single downloadable beat, so supporters could make and upload their own verse— making it the longest collective music video ever.

D&AD Impact Pencil

N.Y.FESTIVALS/
United Nations DPI Award, Gold

One Show Interactive Merit— Non-Profit

AICP Next Award (National)

— Case Study —

— Music Video —

Recognition

Put the Guns Down was awarded Gold jointly by the United Nations DPI & The New York Festivals as public service advertising best exemplifying the ideals and goals of the UN.

“I grew up on the South side, I feel like it’s my duty to raise up the village that you come from."

Common

Artist/Activist

“We wanted to do our small part to give a platform to the activists, families and communities who are fighting against gun violence every day.”

Jessica Malkin

Chicago Ideas Week