Rap Against Violence reaches into the homes, hearts, and minds of the community to create a word of mouth epidemic against gangs and gun violence. Sponsored under Operation Cease-Fire by the 18th Judicial Circuit State Attorney's Office in the Middle District of Florida, Rap Against Violence invites youth to record original rap songs that speak out against gun crime and gang violence. The theme of the second annual contest held in 2008 was Develop Not Destroy and challenged hip hop artists as well as community members to "Step up and Speak Out" against gun violence and the culture of witness intimidation.

Over 300 Youth have entered the contests so far, and more than 5,000 youth have been engaged through presentations at their schools. The ten winning songs from each year's contest are recorded on a CD, over 15,000 copies of which have been distributed to youth at schools, youth centers, and events throughout Central Florida. Each song is also featured in a 60-second PSA that is aired on local radio and TV stations.

Technical Assistance Resource Tools:

Rap Against Violence: Volume one
1. Just Stop mp3 file
2. You Don't Need That mp3 file
3. No More Trouble mp3 file
4. Real mp3 file
5. Lets See the Light mp3 file
6. I Do it for the Music mp3 file
7. I'm So Sorry mp3 file
8. 10-20-Life mp3 file
9. Put Your Guns Down mp3 file
10. Teenage Suicide mp3 file

Rap Against Violence: Volume two
1. My Conscience mp3 file
2. Put the Weapons Away mp3 file
3. Step Up, Speak Out mp3 file
4. Step Up mp3 file
5. Stop Pt. II mp3 file
6. Walk With You mp3 file
7. We Need Some Love mp3 file
8. What the Deal Is mp3 file
9. What's Going On mp3 file
10. You Don't Need Dat mp3 file

Implementation manual
Sample contract
Sample contract
Video: TV ad
Public Service Announcements
Video: PSA Announcement
Funding application