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A group of hip hop artists from across the state will ban together next week in support of Project REAL, the city’s young adult LGBTQ community resource center.

Located on Fourth Avenue, Project REAL [the acronym standing for Real Empowerment on All Levels], opened its doors in January 2015 as a safe space for those between the ages of 13 and 29 to gather without judgement.

Project REAL not only works directly with teens but also provides rapid HIV testing, recreational and social events, as well as support networks.

The United For Life benefit concert aimed at celebrating community and diversity will take place 7 p.m. Jan 13 at The Asbury, the city’s newest hotel and entertainment venue.

“In light of recent politics, everyone feels so divided,” event organizer Chris Rockwell said. “I just wanted to bring people together for a night to set a starting point.”

The entertainment lineup features four acclaimed collectives from across New Jersey,

including Black Suburbia Music Group, Posse Galore, Kidz from the Burbz, and Offtop. Local radio DJ White Owl will perform a set, Rockwell said.

“It’s refreshing to see that we can unify both the Hip-Hop and the LGBTQ communities,” said Posse Galore vocalist and songwriter Lex Rex, who will screen her debut music video that night. “This cause is really important to me.”

There will be free giveaways and signed event posters for sale, with proceeds added to the total money raised from the door in support of Project REAL.

Doors will open at 7 p.m. and $12 advance tickets are available at  https://www.showclix.com/event/UnifiedForLife.

For more information about Project REAL, visit their Facebook page here.

[Feature photo courtesy of Project Real]

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