Al Sharpton Denounces Violence in the Hip-Hop Community, Threatens Boycott of G-Unit Music

At a press conference on Monday (April 2), Rev. Al Sharpton joined the mother of Jimmy “Henchmen” Rosemond’s 14-year old son and the girlfriend of slain bodyguard Israel Ramirez, to denounce violence in the hip-hop community. The press conference preceded a rally outside the offices of Universal Records to protest the alleged actions of G-Unit member Tony Yayo. Rosemond’s son, James, says he was assaulted by Yayo on a Manhattan street after the rapper spotted him wearing a shirt bearing the logo of his father’s company, Czar Entertainment. According to the New York Post, Sharpton slammed the parties involved in the beef and implied that a boycott of their music would be imminent if the confrontations do not stop. “We put the i-n-g in your bling-bling," said Sharpton. “All of us have children who listen to your music. Some of us listen ourselves. But we don't want to feel like we're investing in the demise of our community.” In 2005, Sharpton helped broker a truce between 50 Cent and Compton rapper The Game, who is managed by Rosemond. “We took you at your word,” Sharpton said. “You can go against each other, but you cannot go against those you depend on for your livelihood.” Also in attendance was city councilman Charles Barron who commented, “You have to stop the beef, stop the madness. It’s out of control.” Tony Yayo was arrested and booked last weekend on charges of assault and endangering the welfare of a child. In a statement released by his attorney, 50 Cent has denied that he was present during any attack on the boy, and says that he has authorized an independent investigation into the matter.