Springfield hip-hop artists inspire community

Two hip-hop artists are using music to turn their life and community around in Springfield.

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Springfield hip-hop artists inspire community Updated: May 25, 2016 7:50 PM EDT By Adam Sullivan SPRINGFIELD, Vt. - Two hip-hop artists are using music to turn their life and community around in Springfield. Meet Causin' Effect. Brad Veysey plays the drums. And with the lyrics is John Keefe, also known as Jibba the Gent. They are well-known hip-hop artists in Springfield and co-owners of the town's brand new music studio called So.802. "I think one of the problems here is that no business would want to move here," Veysey said. "Who would want to move to a town with this many problems?" Over the years, Springfield has suffered greatly both economically and with deep-rooted drug problems. This musician says the studio will help change his community for the better, especially for kids who need a place to go after school and a positive outlook on the future. It's a passion they find time for during the day while holding down full-time jobs at night. "I know that sounds cliché, and I know it is all about hard work and what you want but you can do it," said Veysey. But this isn't exactly gospel music. Profanity and references to drugs and crime are common themes in their videos. Veysey gave us a quick sample of the song "Speechless." "This time I am going to rise above, ain't too many... Lining up... But I still find time to keep mine in check. All that disrespect," rapped Veysey. He says he's speaking from the heart, growing up next to broken out windows and abandoned buildings. Real life truths that today's youth, he says, can relate to. "You get angry when you decide to make a good decision for yourself and the friends that surrounded you, you find out, were the ones who were pulling you down," said Veysey. And he knows a thing or two about hitting bottom. In 2010, he was arrested for felony drug sales and went to prison. "I'm not proud of it, but it's who I am. It's my history. I can't change it," said Veysey. "Obviously, we have been in trouble. Things have happened but we have found a better way, a better path," said Keefe. It's a better path through music and sharing their talents when it comes to how to make with a town where they both went to high school. "If we can lend a helping hand for these kids out here who have absolutely nothing to do, then it would make us feel good at the end of the day and, hopefully, help some kids stay out of trouble," said Keefe. And they are finding unlikely help along the way. "It's important to have activities, it is important to have culture and yeah, hip-hop music is a part of modern culture," said Bob Flint, Springfield Regional Development Coordinator executive director. Flint helped find the space to make the studio a reality. "That has turned into a project that is engaging and touching the lives of the people in the region," said Flint. "If somehow you can make your dream flourish and make music like we do and have a studio and own it here, and own it here, then you can do just about anything," said Veysey. Words that are meant to inspire turning his own life around and he says hopefully his entire hometown. For more on So.802 click here. https://www.facebook.com/southernvthiphop/