R&B singer discusses violence during Chicago visit

Although R&B singer Musiq Soulchild maintains a rigorous schedule as a multi-platinum recording artist, he’s also a humanitarian and activist who believes in giving back.

During a June 26, visit to Chicago, not only did he promote his latest musical endeavor, but also took the time to address violence and other issues affecting black communities nationally.

After a busy day, which included a meet-and-greet with fans followed by a concert, the Philadelphia native engaged in a discussion hosted by The Living Room Lounge, 1100 W. Cermak in Pilsen. The theme for the night was Saving Our Communities One Living Room At A Time. The issue of violence was a topic of discussion.

The event allowed the artist a moment to interact with the public and share ideas for the solutions. With more than 50 shootings and 10 people killed in Chicago just the previous weekend of Musiq’s visit, the forum’s participants were eager discuss how to curtail the random violence. “Hopefully, before flying off the handle, just listen,” he said. “I would urge people to just think about what you’re doing.”

The artist also talked about the responsibility artists have in making a difference.

“I just think that anything that you do in the spirit of that is good enough,” he said. “I think that recording artists are convinced that they need an organization established or a charity or nonprofit foundation. And that’s really cool because it motivates and gathers resources…I don’t have a nonprofit organization or a foundation. I don’t have a charity per se, at least not officially. I just do things in the spirit of giving back.

Concerning those causes that are most important to him, Musiq noted education as one. “I think that it’s still people out there who are under this impression that you’re too old to learn. That’s not true, by far. Additionally, what’s more important to me is the arts. You don’t have to necessarily pursue the arts, but just by incorporating some type of creativity in your life; it changes you as a person. You just see life and you see the world differently.”