Hip-Hop Arts Program No Easy Props Expands Violence Prevention Efforts in Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA – Today, the hip-hop arts organization No Easy Props announced a partnership with Cal State LA to develop Fortify Our Rebel Youth (FOR Youth) into a teen violence prevention program, slated to pilot in local schools this spring.

Founded by Asia Yu, also known as Asia One, No Easy Props began in 1994 as a touring dance company and has evolved into a nonprofit providing hip-hop dance and art programs for youth. Yu, who grew up in Denver and was inspired by the city’s vibrant community organizing scene, explained, “Hip-hop gave me an identity of who I could be… a culture of respect, especially for Black Americans and their story and history.” The organization currently operates a pop-up shop and studio in Glendale, hosting open dance sessions every Saturday. This expansion comes as youth violence rates remain a significant concern in Los Angeles County.

The program’s approach centers on the belief that hip-hop itself can be a preventative measure. “We realized that hip-hop is a form of violence prevention,” Yu stated. “Violence is a public health issue.” FOR Youth, designed for high school students, focuses on creative arts exploration, socialization skills, and exposure to the creative arts economy. No Easy Props will also present “LIVE FROM LA” on November 8 at Radford Studio Center Backlot, partnering with Versa-Style Street Dance Company, Unusual Suspects, and Street Poets to showcase performances by youth from their programs; tickets and information are available online.

Creative Director Steve “Zulu Gremlin” Roybal, speaking about “LIVE FROM LA,” noted the performance utilizes social dances from across the country and aims to tell the story of fighting for rights through the eyes of previous generations. The organization’s work builds on the legacy of hip-hop culture and its foundational tenets of peace, love, and unity.

Officials stated that the pilot program’s success will determine further expansion into additional schools throughout the Los Angeles Unified School District.