Amidst all the madness during Fashion’s Night Out, I took a short break in between floating around SOHO to check out a benefit in Brooklyn hosted by rapper [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Common[/lastfm]. He called it a “Farewell To Summer” as he is trying to raise money for his foundation that he started in honor of his cousin.

The Ajile L. Turner Foundation helps to keep music in schools for the youth in various cities in the U.S.

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It was a calm and cool night in Brooklyn, the perfect way to end a crazy summer. Brooklyn Terrace (located on the rooftop of the Sheraton in Brooklyn) was buzzing with excitement. That night was dedicated to honoring Common’s late cousin Ajile Turner and to help raise money for the foundation that was set up in his honor. The foundation is meant to help keep music and music education in schools all over the U.S. and even has scholarships set up for kids to go to college. They have helped quite a few young people pursue their careers in the arts and entertainment industries.

The Ajile L. Turner Foundation hopes to help students achieve there dreams through the 3E’s  Program (Education, Entrepreneurship and Entertainment).

This is what Common had to say about his cousin Ajile (pronounced Ah-Ja-Lay):

“It was the summer after seventh grade. I was in Cincinnati at my cousin Ajile’s house. Usually we’d have been out back playing ball, but we were in his room working on a rap.” Mine went: “Well let me tell you ’bout a trip a time ago / I was going there to run a cold-blooded show / When I was there I saw some people jamming too. / They called themselves the Bond Hill Crew.”

Also his Aunt Ms.Mattie Turner (the founder) had a few words to say:

“As the founder of The Ajile L. Turner Foundation and mother of Ajile, recognizing the love that he had for music and keeping it alive from coast to coast, it is only befitting due to his work in the New York public schools with students and youth, that we maintain the relationship between youth and music”

Also in attendance… Phife from [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]A Tribe Called Quest[/lastfm] and Rahzel from [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]The Roots[/lastfm] were there in support of Common and the foundation.

With an open bar, cupcakes and plenty of donations this was a wonderful event and I look forward to seeing where they take it as time passes on. It’s good to see artists keeping music and entertainment in schools. As a kid growing up I feel like there were never enough outlets for creativity in schools.

Good Luck to Ms. Mattie Turner , Common and the foundation.

Read more about the event HERE >

Hit Up the Ajile L. Turner Foundation >

Til next time… Suga is out! Duces!