Kemba, a visionary rapper, activist, and storyteller from the Bronx, will visit Northeastern on March 13–14. Join us on the 14th at 5:30PM in the Center for Design for a screening of his documentary, As We Speak: Rap Music on Trial, which explores the growing weaponization of rap lyrics in the United States criminal justice system and abroad. There will be a Q&A to follow.

Born and raised in the Bronx, NY, Kemba is a product of the once burning borough. As a teen, Kemba grew up in the world of organizing and activism as a founding member of the RDACBX—a community organization in the South Bronx—all while making his name in clubs he was “technically” too young to perform in. From a breakout performance on XXXTentacion’s Daemons to an appearance in the award-winning film 40-Year-Old Version, Kemba has been on quite the journey since Kendrick Lamar told the world to “remember that name.” His last album, Gilda was a beautiful tribute to his late mother, featuring artists like Jagged Edge, Smino, and Portugal The Man. Now, he’s expanded into visual storytelling, starring in the documentary As We Speak (Paramount+/MTV, 2024 Sundance Film Festival) where he uncovers the history of rap lyrics being used as criminal evidence in court.