Lee Reed is a veteran Canadian indie rapper who been recording music for over 20 years. He developed a reputation for his socially conscious music. He also makes most of his music available for free and when he does charge the proceeds supports causes that he his passionate about. He is an example of an artist who uses his art as a platform to promote positive social change.
Reed’s latest release is The Steal City EP. All five tracks on the EP protests the gentrification taking place in his hometown of Hamilton, Ontario. The hard hitting tunes specifically addresses the renter strike that been taking place at the Stoney Creek Towers since May 1st, 2018. The strike protests the displacement of the working class and the continued unaffordable rent increases.
Even though Reed was inspired by events in his own backyard, the songs resonate because the displacement of poor people is a plight in many major cities on a global scale. Gentrification is a form of class warfare which also adversely affects many minority groups.
All proceeds from the downloads go to the Hamilton Tenants Solidarity Network (HTSN) and the East Hamilton Rent Strike Defense Fund.