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With the events of the past and present, I find myself in the same predicament as Woody Guthrie, asking myself “Is this land made for you and me?” For as long as I can remember there has been politically related music in existence -- artists such as Bob Dylan, Bob Marley, Marvin Gaye and Tupac Shakur, who are only a few of the massive group, have expressed there concern with society and government decisions. To this day other talented artist like Wyclef Jean, Alicia Keys, Eminem and so many others still take a crack at releasing the truth to our ears with the hope that it sinks into our minds and becomes empowered with our voices.

What about the local talent though? Are they aware of what’s going on in the world around us? I say they are and a great example are two up and coming hip hop artist here in Columbus, Ohio by the names of Bigg Hurt tha Buckeye King and Tony Hustle. They produced a song in tribute to a man named Troy Anthony Davis. Davis is currently on death row due to a 1991 conviction in the murder of Savannah Police Officer Mark Allen McPhail. Only there is more evidence supporting his innocence verses his guilt. There was never a weapon recovered, no physical evidence and seven of the nine witnesses recanted or altered their previous testimonies. Also, one of the remaining witnesses is alleged to be the actual perpetrator.

Of course the opportunity to defend the rights of an allegedly innocent man did not just fall out of the sky. It actually came about in a deal between Mr. Hustle and a CD cover artist in exchange for his services. After the completion of the song, later to be named Troy Davis Tribute, it was passed on to Davis? girlfriend and then to his sister Martina Correia. Correia , who has been an Amnesty member since her teen years. She has been by her brother? side doing interviews, defending him in court and organizing massive rallies in support of her brother. One of which Correia enlisted the help of Bigg Hurt and Tony Hustle during a rally on the court house steps that was held in Savannah. Georgia. They were introduced to Davis? family and friends before the event and had a chance to experience where Troy Davis comes from. Many gathered has the beat filled the air and words of question and confusion over this unjust system touched the emotions of the supporters in attendance.

After the rally Troy Davis and his family still had a long journey ahead of them. As of August 18th, 2009 the U.S. Supreme Court has called for a new evidentiary hearing for Davis. In a ruling of 6-2 the courts are finally giving Troy Davis another chance to prove his innocence.

Bigg Hurt and Tony Hustle still remain supporters of TRUE freedom and will continue to expresses their opinions on a variety of subjects whether it is political, controversial or just for fun.

*For more info on Troy Davis's case go to www.troyanthonydavis.org, www.aiusa.org, www.justicefortroy.org or www.naacp.org

*For more info on the artist featured in this story go to www.myspace.com/bigghurt614 or email buckeyeking69@yahoo.com. *Alichia Woods is the stylist and girlfriend of Bigg Hurt tha Buckeye King.