Ladies of Urban Sound Against Rape
July 5th, 2006
Written By Ivy Prosper
Photos by Mark Anthony Rudder
Additional Photos by Ivy Prosper

Click a thumbnail to see a bigger image.

Belladonna
Kaysun
Shankhini
Lola
Latte D. Kyd
Shebang

Ladies of Urban Sound Against Rape
Written by Ivy Prosper

Vanilla Queen Entertainment had its 2nd Annual Ladies of Urban Sound Against Rape at the Rivoli in Toronto on July 5, 2006. The event was used as a platform to raise awareness about rape and violence against women in the community. All proceeds from the event were donated to the Toronto Rape Crisis Centre/Multicultural Women Against Rape.

The Toronto Rape Crisis Centre has been operating for the community for over eighteen years. Their mission is to work towards a violence-free world by providing anti-oppressive, feminist peer support to survivors of sexual violence.

A Toronto Rape Crisis representative said, “We are looking forward to the day when something like a Rape Crisis Centre is not needed. A day when there is no longer violence against women. We can’t fight violence against women without the help of men too. Men need to take responsibilities for their actions and for the actions of their friends…..Remember it’s never a woman’s fault if she is violated. It’s about power and control.”

Former MuchMusic VJ Jennifer Hollet donated her time to host and participate in the event. The show featured some of the most talented female performers in Toronto’s underground hip hop scene.

Warner Bros. artist, Lola busted her lyrical styles proving why she has produced hits in her career.

Belladonna delivered a spectacular performance blending the sounds of drums with her smooth vocals. She kept the crowd alive and connected with her high energy.

Shebang rocked the house as they proved why breakin’, poppin’, and locking has continued to be a dominant force in hip hop culture.

Shankhini, a veteran in the hip hop scene, told stories in her music that would touch the hearts of many women. Her passion for this organization could be felt in every song she performed.

Singer/Emcee Latte D. Kyd, founder of Vanilla Queen Entertainment, fused the edginess of the Beastie Boys with classic hip hop of the 80s thrown together with the fun party style of groups like the Black Eyed Peas. She embodies the essence of a woman with serious views delivered with strong hooks over innovative beats.

Kaysun, known as the little singer that will go far, closed out the show with her breathtaking voice. She too, like many of the talented women had a story to tell through her music.

There are many women bonded by the issues surrounding violence. You don’t have to be the survivor to be affected. Violence against women not only affects the victim. It affects everyone.

For information on the Toronto Rape Crisis Centre visit www.trccmwar.ca

Click below to watch an exclusive video of Belladonna performing:



Click below to watch an exclusive video of Kaysun performing:

Click below to read an interview with Kaysun, also get more music!

Click below to read an interview with Latté D. Kyd, also get more music!

Click below to read an article on Belladonna, also get more music!