bang.4.liberation
Our Mission Is To Empower, Educate, and Inspire Youth Through Eco-Conscious Hip-Hop.
B.4.L emerged as a cultural and organizing movement rooted in hip-hop, storytelling, and lived experience. Founded by Jaffee Judah, Droski Dro, Droski Dro, and Joseph Bazelais, known collectively as The Generals, B. 4. L was created to bridge the gap between trash, trauma, and crime in underserved neighborhoods.
Drawing inspiration from experiences in Nashville, Memphis, and Brooklyn, the founders recognized that culture could be a vehicle for environmental leadership. B.4.L reframes street culture as a force for liberation—channeling music, art, and storytelling into environmental stewardship, civic engagement, and social advocacy.
Grounded in the Jemez Principles for Democratic Organizing, B.4.L centers bottom-up leadership, shared power, and collective care. Today, B.4.L serves as Recycle & Reinvest’s community-wide environmental leadership framework, developing new Generals each year to mobilize action, mentor youth, and steward neighborhood transformation.
Our guiding principles
At the heart of our recycling and environmental justice initiatives lies a commitment to inclusivity, sustainability, and community-driven action. We are proud to integrate the Jemez Principles for Democratic Organizing into our work, guiding our efforts to create a more equitable and effective approach to environmental justice.
The Jemez Principles are a set of guidelines developed by grassroots organizations working for social justice. These principles provide a framework for building inclusive, respectful, and collaborative communities, ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard and valued in the decision-making process. Here's why we use these principles in our recycling and environmental justice work:
be inclusive
We prioritize the voices of those often left out of the conversation by creating spaces where the community can actively participate in localized sustainability efforts
mutual solidarity
We partner with local groups, schools, and organizations to strengthen our recycling programs, knowing that collaboration is key to lasting environmental justice
bottom-up organizing
We empower individuals and groups to take the lead in recycling, waste reduction, and eco-creative sovereignty ensuring sustainable success
build just relations
From our volunteers to our partners, we are committed to creating a culture of fairness, where everyone has the opportunity to lead and contribute to positive change
speak for thyself
We engage community directly by giving them the tools, knowledge, and opportunities to take part in recycling and environmental advocacy
self evolution
We believe that transforming ourselves and our communities is an ongoing process of reflection and accountability we embrace this commitment with passion and dedication
bang.4.liberation
B.4.L GENERALS
Are you passionate about cultivating a creatively
eco-conscious Nashville? Tap in!
B.4.L Generals are adults and advanced participants who move from learning to leading. Generals receive training in project coordination, community engagement, environmental stewardship, and partnership building. They help plan and lead cleanups, tree plantings, workshops, and neighborhood initiatives while mentoring Soil Soldiers.
Generals may serve as volunteers or access paid environmental leadership opportunities, creating a bridge between grassroots service, workforce development, and long-term community investment.
