Swagga Music

***Swagga Music*** (stylized in all caps) is a Spanish-language online hip hip magazine founded in February 2011 and based in Madrid, Spain. They conducted an interview with Ayesha Jaco in 2011, where they discussed The Lupe Fiasco Foundation. They also reviewed Fiasco's performance at Supafest in Australia.

## Article

Ayesha Jaco describes herself as a Youth Programs Specialist and, of course, a native and citizen of Chicago. She is known for being the sister of the famous rapper Lupe Fiasco but she is much more than that: a prepared and committed woman who collaborates in multiple social projects. She has a bachelor's degree in Dance and Media, a master's degree in Arts Direction, is the co-founder and director of the Lupe Fiasco Foundation and a professor at the University of Northeastern Illinois. SWAGGA MUSIC had the opportunity to chat with her on the occasion of an initiative they have just started in her cherished Chicago and these were her words.

**SWAGGA MUSIC:** The Lupe Fiasco Foundation just started an initiative to "feed the community" in Chicago. What does it consist of?

**AYESHA JACO:** The goal of this initiative is to provide daily meals to 100 Chicagoans in the communities of Austin, East Garfield Park and West Englewood. Community members can come to the New Birth Christian Center and surrounding blocks every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday through Aug. 26, from 5 to 7 p.m. In addition, meals will be distributed at United Methodist Church every Tuesday and Thursday beginning today from 5 to 7 p.m. The initiative will serve residents of the former Lupe (Fiasco) neighborhood and the apartment complex at East Garfield Park on Aug. 29 and 31. Fruit, water, chips and turkey hot dogs will be provided daily. In addition, we will give donated food from the Brown Sugar Bakery several days.

**SWAGGA MUSIC:** How do you select the families that benefit from the program? Are they provided by the churches you work with?

**AYESHA JACO:** No, these two organizations do not provide them. Daily meals are available to all those in the community who need them.

**SWAGGA MUSIC:** How did the first day go?

**AYESHA JACO:** It was offered by the New Birth Christian Center. Food was served promptly at 5 p.m. and served to 120 people.

**SWAGGA MUSIC:** Why did you decide to take it in August?

**AYESHA JACO:** Lupe (Fiasco) came up with this initiative. He wanted 100 people to be fed during the month of Ramadan.

**SWAGGA MUSIC:** Are there a lot of families in Chicago who need this kind of help?

**AYESHA JACO:** According to a study conducted by the Greater Food Depository in Cook County, an estimated 678,000 people rely on emergency food sources provided by the Food Bank and our member network of 600 food pantries... In previous years, we handed out a hot meal and grocery store checks to 250 community members. This year, Lupe (Fiasco) challenged us to reach more families in need.

**SWAGGA MUSIC:** The Lupe Fiasco Foundation has also created a program, "The Little Man Project," which provides music workshops. What is its purpose?

**AYESHA JACO:** The Chicago West Music Center and the Lupe Fiasco Foundation provide Hip Hop music studies, music production and business workshops for the city's youth between the ages of 14 and 24. "The Little Man Project" is based on spreading social awareness among the city's youth through hip hop music. The goal is to provide youth with a comprehensive music program that increases their knowledge of positive music decision-making and production.

**SWAGGA MUSIC:** Does Lupe Fiasco teach any of these classes?

**AYESHA JACO:** He has been a guest speaker for the Music Education program and also participates with the young people in the process, with songs, lyrics and schemes.

**SWAGGA MUSIC:** The Foundation has developed other programs such as L.A.S.E.R.S Peace 5k Walk or the Winter Coat Campaign. Could you tell me more details about these initiatives?

**AYESHA JACO:** The two programs are events that take place throughout the year on a quarterly basis. The L. A.S.E.R.S Peace 5K Walk will take place in the fall of 2012 to promote peace and safe places in poor communities in the city of Chicago. The event will be planned and developed by the Youth Committee of the Lupe Fiasco Foundation. The purpose of the Winter Coat Campaign is to provide coats to families and community members in need. This year the campaign will begin on September 1, 2011.

**SWAGGA MUSIC:** What is your job like as director of the foundation?

**AYESHA JACO:** My work as a director includes developing, directing, and partnering programs.

**SWAGGA MUSIC:** What is the role of Lupe Fiasco?

**AYESHA JACO:** Lupe Fiasco is the voice of the foundation. The programs are an extension of the work Lupe Fiasco has done over the past 8 years in Chicago.

**SWAGGA MUSIC:** Is he personally working on this August's food initiative?

**AYESHA JACO:** He's been involved since day one. Their ideas made the feeding campaign come to fruition.

**SWAGGA MUSIC:** What are the biggest achievements you have achieved with the foundation?

**AYESHA JACO:** We've given meals to 400 Chicagoans. We have matched young people from poor areas of Chicago with young people from international communities and encouraged dialogue and cultural exchanges. We have also implemented a music education program that exposed 30 teenagers to songwriting, editing, production, and graphic design.

**SWAGGA MUSIC:** If anyone is interested in collaborating with the Lupe Fiasco Foundation. How should you do it?

**AYESHA JACO:** You can contact us by email with your questions, donations, or partnership opportunities.

## References

1. ↑ Garcia-Ajofrin, Isabel (August 19, 2011). "Entrevista a la hermana de Lupe Fiasco: "Él lleva ayudando 8 años en Chicago"". *Swagga Music*. Archived from the original on June 5, 2023.
2. ↑ "Chris Brown, T-Pain, Ludacris, Lupe Fiasco y más hip hop en el Supafest de Australia". *Swagga Music*. April 22, 2012. Archived from the original on April 28, 2012.