Fight the power of guns, say rappers

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GreenJade's Life As We Know It includes tracks called Gunz Down and Spread Love in a bid to counter the glorification of gang violence by rappers such as 50 Cent.

Wizdom, 28, a member of the fivestrong group, said: "I love hip-hop music but the stuff that most people hear isn't particularly positive. I don't believe in banning 50 Cent but I think there should be a viable alternative - to have something more positive. We want to show the choices that you make can have an effect on the outcomes of your life."

Wizdom said he could see how teenagers were drawn into trouble. One of his friends began carrying weapons after a gang threatened his life. Another was slashed with a knife. "We weren't in a gang but we were being slowly dragged into it," he said. He turned his life around after a workmate offered to pray for him and he began learning about religion.

All of GreenJade's members have other jobs, but take time to perform in schools. "We want to influence the mindsets of those on the cusp, to get the message over about making the right choices before someone picks up a knife or a gun," Wizdom said.

Judah, 34, another of the rappers, said: "Eminem and 50 Cent tell of the negative stuff and that might be their experience. But what about hearing from people who have not chosen drugs, not chosen to carry a knife?"