Boston Hip Hop Artist Receives Award From The HSUS, Meets Darryl ‘DMC’ McDaniels

May 13, 2008

Dwayne 'Dagha' Simmons Won The HSUS' National 'Hip Hop for Hounds' Contest

A representative of The Humane Society of the United States and Darryl "DMC" McDaniels personally congratulated Boston hip hop artist Dwayne "Dagha" Simmons for winning The HSUS's first "Hip Hop for Hounds" contest. The contest was launched in January to find the best rap song that stands up for dogs — and against dogfighting. Celebrity judge Darryl "DMC" McDaniels chose Simmons' "Dog Fight" as the first-place winning entry.

Boston's MSPCA Angell hosted the meeting of the rap legend and the talented winner while showcasing an adoptable pit bull.

"The Humane Society of the United States is honored to have one of the legends of hip hop speak out against dogfighting," said Laurie Maxwell, deputy campaign manager of The HSUS's animal cruelty and fighting campaign. "Dwayne 'Dagha' Simmons' anti-dogfighting lyrics are heartfelt and his talent is undeniable."

Dogfighting plagues communities nationwide. Not only do animals suffer, but children are exposed to a spectacle of violence. The Hip Hop for Hounds contest was designed to give people an opportunity to use their creativity to speak out against this cruel blood sport.

Entries in the rap contest came in from around the country, and the contestants ranged from elementary school children to professionals. Simmons is the educational director for America SCORES New England, a subsidiary of America SCORES, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing soccer, writing, creative expression and service learning to kids across the country.

"To be honored by a hip hop pioneer and a national animal protection organization means a great deal to me," Simmons said. "In this hip hop super highway, I've taken the road less traveled. I'm glad to know that my lyrics have helped to speak out against the cruelty that is dogfighting."

A compilation CD of selected Hip Hop for Hounds entries will be available for purchase later this year. All of the contest entries can be found at humanesociety.org/hiphopforhounds.

The lyrics to "Dog Fight" are available by request.

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The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization — backed by 10.5 million Americans, or one of every 30. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education, and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty — On the web at humanesociety.org.