The coronavirus pandemic has stagnated citizens and the healthcare industry around the world over the last few months. As a result, members of the hip-hop community have since lent a helping hand by donating funds and essentials needed to help those fighting the virus or individuals affected by it.
Healthcare professionals working on the frontlines to care for people who have contracted the coronavirus are experiencing shortages on their supply of personal protective equipment, such as gloves and medical masks. They have also been commissioned to work long hours as chaos consumes hospitals that are filled with ill patients.
According to the World Health Organization, the lack of necessities has been "caused by rising demand, panic buying, hoarding and misuse."
"Without secure supply chains, the risk to healthcare workers around the world is real," said WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. "Industry and governments must act quickly to boost supply, ease export restrictions and put measures in place to stop speculation and hoarding. We can’t stop COVID-19 without protecting health workers first."
Citizens have been affected as well following a quarantine that was put in place amid the pandemic. The quarantine has caused temporary business closures due to advised social distancing, resulting in job loss that has prevented people from being able to provide food for their families.
Jay-Z and Rihanna are two artists who have contributed to coronavirus relief in a major way. Jay's Shawn Carter Foundation and RiRi's Clara Lionel Foundation collectively donated $2 million to help those who have been affected by the pandemic.
They hope to assist "undocumented workers, the incarcerated, homeless and elderly populations, and children of frontline healthcare workers" in New York and Los Angeles with their donation.
Many more artists are giving back to assist with coronavirus relief efforts. Check out how hip-hop is giving back below.
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Jay-Z and Meek Mill Donate 100,000 Masks
Thanks to the help of their Reform Alliance, Jay-Z and Meek Mill were able to donate 100,000 masks to Rikers Island, the Tennessee DOC and the Parchman Prison in Mississippi.
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Cardi B Donates Meals to Healthcare Workers
Cardi B shows her appreciation for medical professionals by donating 20,000 meals to New York City hospitals.
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Quavo Launches Fundraiser
To ring in his 29th birthday on April 2, Migos member Quavo announced the launch of Quavo Cares Foundation COVID-19 Fundraiser. The Atlanta rapper is encouraging fans to friends to donate funds to aid healthcare workers. He also partnered with a nonprofit organization and Emory Healthcare to provide masks, isolation gowns and face shields to ensure the safety of health care professionals.
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Lecrae Provides Washing Stations to Homeless
Lecrae teams up with Love Beyond Walls nonprofit to assemble portable handwashing stations for homeless people in Atlanta.
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Future Donates Masks
Future's FreeWishes Foundation joins forces with Atlanta's Sewing Style to provide masks for healthcare workers and patients dealing with the coronavirus.
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Jay-Z and Rihanna Donate $2 Million
Jay-Z's Sean Carter Foundation and Rihanna's Clara Lionel Foundation have teamed up to donate $1,000,000 each to coronavirus relief.
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DJ Khaled Donates Masks to Hospitals
DJ Khaled's We The Best Foundation partners up with Direct Relief to supply healthcare workers in Miami and New York with 10,000 masks.
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Quality Control Donates $100,000 in Groceries
Quality Control's CEO Pierre "P" Thomas and COO Kevin "Coach K" Lee donate $100,000 to GOODR to help feed families in Atlanta.