Respected DJ/producer J. Period (Black Thought, Common, K’naan) wanted to pump up the activism in Hip-Hop. He rallied peers including DJ Khalil, DJ Jazzy Jeff, and Young Guru to executive produce a compilation that reminds fans of music’s power to evoke social change.

The 10-track The Rise Up Project brings together some of the most respected names in Hip-Hop and R&B such as Black Thought, Aloe Blacc, Pharoahe Monch, De La Soul’s Posdnuos, Rhymefest, Xzibit, Sa-Roc, Joss Stone, and many more. The lead single, “See The Light,” unites platinum songstress Andra Day with dead prez for a song that aims to open up people’s eyes about inequality and encourage them to take action.

dead prez Lead The Charge On A Song About Soldiering Through Hard Times

Andra Day’s has gone from YouTube sensation to superstardom in six short years. In that time, the Washington native has been showered with accolades, including being nominated for Emmy, Grammy, and Academy Awards. She has also been consistently outspoken about racial injustice and other social issues, often performing to support various charities and grassroots movements. So, pairing her with one of Hip-Hop’s most impactful duos, dead prez, makes perfect sense.

Over a J. Period and DJ Khalil beat the three recording artists unite to rekindle the kind of fiery resistance Rap music was once known for. On the hook, Day croons, “Do you know what you came here for? / Do you recognize, do you realize the light? / I don’t know what you’re aching for / Everything has a price / If you see the light, then fight.”

J. Period’s Mix Blends Verses From OutKast With The Sounds Of Wakanda (Audio)

stic.man and M1 both kick passionate verses that highlight the widening gap between the haves and the have-nots in the US. The video version of the song is a minute and a half shorter and cuts out a big chunk of stic’s bars, but it’s still a compelling call to arms.