9-Year-Old Dedicates Anti-Violence Rap to Sandy Hook Victims

Last week’s Newton elementary school shooting brought gun control to the forefront of America’s political conversation. But no one captured the crux of the debate quite like 9-year-old Brooklyn rapper Amor “Lilman” Arteaga.

Arteaga, previously known for his viral hit “Pull Ya Pants Up,” had been working on a new track, “Stop Da Violence,” for several weeks before the Connecticut massacre. When he heard about shooting, he decided to dedicate the song to the victims and memorialize the school in the video.

Plus: How to Help the Newtown Community

 The New York Post spoke with Arteaga’s father, Juan Arteaga about his son’s decision:

 “We felt it was the right thing to do. He’s a child who is talking about stopping gun violence. And so many little kids were affected by this.”

 “We live in a community where people doing [shootings] is the norm.”

Plus: Should You Tell Your Kids About Newtown? 

 The lyrics and video focus on many tough issues including bullying, robbery, domestic violence, and suicide, but one verse rings especially true after last week’s tragedy:

“Put the guns down. Stop the killing. Think before you act, don’t make a poor decision. The world is hurting, we all need healing.”