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Musicians make an impact — there’s no denying the fact. But then again, not all big-name artists or groups choose to go that extra step to truly make a positive one — whether that be via their forward-thinking lyrical content, public persona or charitable efforts. As we continue to celebrate Black History Month, we got to thinking about which modern-day African-American artists are upholding the values that would make their forefathers proud. Which artists or groups in today’s music world are leading the way and surrounding themselves in positivity? No need to ponder the question any longer. We’ve got you covered.
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Jay-Z (pictured above)
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We’re not hiding from the facts: Hov was once a coke-peddling drug dealer in Brooklyn. But some of the most impactful people are able to promote change by using their own struggles as motivation. And it’s how Jay, born Shawn Carter, has used his current status as hip-hop royalty to promote positivity that lands him on this list. In 2002, Jay launched the Shawn Carter Foundation. Since the Foundation’s inception, over 750 students have received awards totaling over $1.3 million, and in 2003 alone, Carter awarded a student in each of the 50 states with college scholarships. And just recently, in fact, Jay hosted a monumental concert at NYC’s Carnige Hall, whose proceeds went to benefit both his foundation as well as the United Way of New York City.
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Common
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Ever since he broke onto the hip-hop scene as a socially-conscious rhymer from Chicago, Common, born, Lonnie Rashid Lynn, Jr., has been speaking out against social injustice; some of his best songs call for breaking down the racial and cultural barriers that divide us. The MC has also stepped up his activism game: He’s appeared in ads for PETA, is part of the “Knowing Is Beautiful” movement, which supports HIV/AIDS awareness, and is the founder of the Common Ground Foundation, a non-profit that seesk to empower underprivileged youth.
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The Roots
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If there were ever a collection of musicians whose sole message was to expose inequality and promote awareness, it would certainly be the Roots. This Philly hip-hop collective, fronted by Ahimr “?uestlove” Thompson and Tariq “Black Thought” Trotter, have been at the forefront of “telling it like it is” since their debut album, 1996’s Illadelph Halflife. And most recently, their newest work, last year’s Undun, tells the story of a young boy’s struggle growing up amongst violence and poverty. It’s purpose, as ?uestlove has stated in many interviews, is to expose the harsh realities of life for many young African-American children.
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Beyonce
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As one of the most recognizable personalities in all of music, Beyonce Knowles could very well have let fame get to her head and forget to exude positivity while also carrying herself in a dignified manner. But nothing could be farther from the truth: Ever since her days as a member of Destiny’s Child, with the release of songs like “Survivor,” and then as a solo artist–think “Single Ladies — Beyonce has been a positive role model — she’s constantly championed female empowerment and inspired young girls to be strong young leaders.  Considering her husband, Jay-Z, already topped this list for his philanthropic efforts, it’s no surprise that Knowles also is known for her charitable works. She and Kelly Rowland formed the Survivor Foundation in 2005 for Victims of Hurricane Katrina; in 2011, Beyonce joined forces with Michelle Obama to fight child obesity; and last year Knowles also released a charity version of “God Bless the USA” to help raise funds for the New York Police and Fire Widow’s and Children’s Benefit Fund.

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John Legend
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This R&B/soul singer, it seems, was born to serve the world; that he so happened to also be a fantastic musician just gave him a larger platform to do so. Legend, who recorded Wake Up!, a fantastic collaboration in 2010 with The Roots that focused on songs that were also rallying cries for equality and freedom, has similarly spread positivity through his countless charitable efforts. After visiting Ghana in 2007, Legend, born John Stevens, started the “Show Me Campaign” which helps victims of extreme poverty. He has also served as the national spokesperson for Management Leadership for Tommorow, a non-profit that aims to assist the next generation of minorities in achieving corporate, non-profit and entrepreneurial ventures.
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Alicia Keys
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Keys, born Alicia Cook, like Legend has used her fantastic voice to rise above the static and speak out for the common good. And this has been made possible by her music, which like her actions, is kown to promote positivity and forward-thinking. Keys is also the co-founder of Keep a Child Alive, a non-profit that provides medicine to families with HIV and AIDs in Africa. Her work in Africa was also documented in a documentary entitled Alicia in Africa: Journey to the Motherland.
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De La Soul
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In the late 80’s, three young African-American men from Long Island, New York saw hip-hop’s message of peace and harmony fading from view. As such, its members — Posdnuos, Dave, and Maseo — dropped one of the most influential visions of socially-conscious hip-hop coming in the form of their debut album, 3 Feet High and Rising. The concept behind this hip-hop trio’s album was called the D.A.I.S.Y. Age, an acronym that stood for “da inner sound, y’all.” Their later albums, most notably 1991’s De La Soul Is Dead, were praised for criticizing the violent direction in which hip-hop was headed. While their commercial success has never reached the heights of some of those they spoke out against, De La Soul remain arguably the most influential hip-hop crew in spreading the gospel of peace and positivity.
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Mos Def
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Following the early-90’s  success of acts such as De La Soul, who were  promoting a positive message, there was a noticeable decrease in popularity for this brand of socially-conscious hip-hop in the coming years. However, Mos Def, born Dante Smith, took it upon himself to change this pattern. His collobariotn with Talib Kweli, known as Black Star, in the late-90’s, was released in the aftermath of 2Pac and Biggie’s death and called for a stop to the violence and negativity in hip-hop; he also frequently called for African-American artists to get proper credit for their role in the birth of rock and roll.
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will.i.am.
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Many today know the man born William Adams as the eccentric leader of pop giants The Black Eyed Peas. But what often gets overlooked is the fact that in their earliest days, will and the Peas were one of the most prominent hip-hop crews promoting positivity and acceptance; even after adding Fergie, their first smash-single “Where’s The Love” hinged on the idea that differences shall not divide us. Will is also the founder of i.am.angle, a non-profit dedicating to “transforming lives through education, opportunity, and inspiration.”
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Damian Marley
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As the youngest son of legendary reggae artist Bob Marley, Damian, often known by his nickname “Jr. Gong”, has continued his father’s vision of spreading the message of “one love, one planet and freedom for all nations.” In recent times, Marley paired up with Nas to release Distant Relatives, an album combining reggae and hip-hop that aimed to promote the idea that all blacks are connected by their African roots and shall therefore live in harmony.
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Wyclef Jean
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As both a member of The Fugees, and in recent times as a solo artist, Wyclef, a native of Haiti, has promoted peace, acceptance and equality. In 2005, Jean established the Yele Haiti Foundation, which has provided scholarships to 3600 children in his native country. He’s also partnered with World Food Programme of the UN to launch togetherforhaiti.org, and following the devastation of the 2010 earthquake that hit Haiti, Jean has established a massive fund to raise money for those still in need.