As the catastrophic LA wildfires that began on Tuesday, January 7th, have blazed across Southern California, we are sorry to report that many of our dearest R&B and Hip Hop artists have been impacted.
Jhené Aiko
Last week, Jhené shared on her Instagram story that she had lost the home that she shared with her kids, stating that it “burned to the ground with all of our things inside”:
She also expressed empathy for others that lost their homes and lives:
”praying for everyone this morning. those who lost their home. those who lost their life’s work. those who lost their life. praying for my city. praying for the wild life and lost pets. praying for the world 💙
let suffering be a gift; a lesson in compassion.”
H.E.R.
H.E.R. shared in a video to her Instagram and Facebook stories, that although she was not under direct evacuation orders at the time, she and her pet dog had evacuated, to be safe.
DDG
Rapper DDG posted on Instagram that he had evacuated his home and expressed concern of possibly losing millions. However it appears that his home is okay, as he posted what appeared to be the exterior of his home, to his Instagram story on January 14th.
Keyshia Cole
Her hairstylist, Jonathan Wright, shared in his Instagram story that she was also affected by the wildfires and had lost her home. He shared a carousel of photos and videos of the devastation, along with this message:
“@keyshiacole Prayers to Freen and her Kids and family I ask everyone to send them a Prayer up lift her spirits She was also affected by the Fire…like literally a week ago we in Miami to come home to this is crazy like mind Blowing 🙏🙏🙏 Freenn wasn’t gone say nothing I feel like she should cause this s*** is crazy how this happened to everyone 🙏”
Madlib
The DJ/Producer shared that he lost his home, which had “decades worth of music and equipment”.
Artists in Support of Relief Efforts
Some artists that have not been directly impacted by the LA wildfires have expressed their thoughts, concerns, support, and even donations to aide in relief efforts.
Chris Brown
Chris expressed his thoughts that someone was starting the fires,
He also feels that firefighters and first responders should receive a ceremony or parade to be honored for their efforts. He also suggested that prisoners who are helping “get time knocked off their sentences” :
Beyoncé
Beyoncé’s charity foundation, BeyGOOD, has pledged $2.5 million to help families affected by the tragic LA wildfires rebuild. Funds will go to families in the areas of Altadena and Pasadena, as well as churches and community centers in other areas that were impacted.
This is the biggest donation thus far in relief efforts.
She also postponed her January 14th announcement for a later date.
Beyoncé’s mother, Tina Knowles, shared that she lost her Malibu home in the fires:
The Game
The Game has been actively on the streets with firefighters and first responders, showing his support, providing food and blankets. He has also teamed up nonprofits to help reunite rescued pets with their owners.
The Weeknd
The Weeknd announced the postponement of his album release to January 31st, and cancelled his Rose Bowl show performance:
How To Help
There are many ways that you can help those in need that have been affected by the wildfires. Here is a list of resources:
Our prayers and condolences are extended to the families of those that lost their lives during this tragedy.
