CD tells about traffic stops

The song deals with the fear of a traffic stop from a black male's perspective.
By PEGGY SINKOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- City police have been the focal points of news stories, but now they're the subject of a song.
Local rap artists Laurence Haley, Jahi Harvey, and Derrick McDowell, known as Blaqsun, created a song "War in Warren."
The three live on Youngstown's South Side.
"Well, basically we got calls from fans over there [Warren] asking us why we are always talking about girls and money, when the real hurts in the 'hood could be addressed, so we did it," Harvey said.
"We knew we would probably take heat for it, but we believed in it, so we did it. I'm proud of it."
The song covers the fear of a traffic stop from a young black male's perspective, along with the concerns of the Warren community, Haley said.
"The song was so sad that we included segments of a Richard Pryor skit more than 20 years old which helps beautifully lace the song's three verses together," Haley said.
Reason for song
"We read about all this in the paper and thought that we really need to do something to address the issue."
Doug Franklin, safety-service director, declined to comment on the song.
"If they release it in Greek, then I may buy it," said Police Chief John Mandopoulos. Haley said he hopes the song will cause some city police officers to improve their behavior.
"They are hurting their community," Haley said. "There are numerous lawsuits filed and about $50,000 of taxpayers' money has been used to settle one lawsuit. They need to address these issues."
The song has been played on some local radio stations.
The CD is available at Geo's Music in downtown Youngstown, RBG Music in Warren, DJZ in the Eastwood Mall and online at www.blaqsun.com.
sinkovich@vindy.com