Honoring the life and legacy of Qidere Johnson, known professionally at LGP Qua - a Philadelphia Rapper who used his platform to speak out against gun violence and became widely recognized as the Voice of the Youth.

WHEREAS, LGP Qua was born in North Philadelphia, and after a short stint in prison shifted his perspective on life, he became determined to inspire youth with music and started pursuing a career as a full-time rapper, leading to his nickname “Voice of the Youth”; and

WHEREAS, LGP Qua’s music and lyrics were heavily influenced by his upbringing and surroundings, and he chose to highlight social justice issues, gun violence, and systemic inequality with his words; and

WHEREAS, Through his lyrics, which sometimes featured letters from young Philadelphians, he brought light to the effects of gun violence on the youth of the City and the pain it brings to the community, often speaking on the impacts of broken families, drugs on the streets, and underfunded school systems; and

WHEREAS, LGP Qua rose to prominence in 2017 with a viral motivational freestyle on a Philly street corner, resulting in well-deserved national recognition and collaborations with major artists like Meek Mill and will.i.am, eventually leading to a $1 million deal with Jay Z’s record label; and

WHEREAS, He was more than a musician - he was an advocate for change in Philadelphia, dedicated to engaging with young Philadelphians and building a community that rejects gun violence; and

WHEREAS, LGP Qua frequently visited schools, such as his alma mater Edward T. Steel Elementary, where he became a keynote speaker and mentor to the students; and

WHEREAS, LGP Qua partnered with Puma and Foot Locker to donate thousands of sneakers to children in the City, frequently played basketball with neighborhood kids on the weekends, urging youths to study hard, get good grades, and be a good person; and

WHEREAS, LGP Qua used his platform to promote positivity, challenge the devastating cycle of gun violence, and speak on the reality of living as a young Black man in Philadelphia; his inspirational example will be deeply missed; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA,

Honors the life and legacy of Qidere Johnson, known professionally at LGP Qua - a Philadelphia Rapper who used his platform to speak out against gun violence and became widely recognized as the Voice of the Youth.

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