On Thursday, April 4, 2024, marking the solemn 56th anniversary of the tragic assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Mazzie Casher, Co-founder of PHILLY TRUCE, unleashes a powerful anthem for peace. Titled “Guns R4 Cowards,” this song and accompanying video are poised to ignite a movement for change in the heart of Philadelphia and beyond.

 

 

As the city grappled with over 500 homicides in 2020, Casher and his high school classmate, First Responder Steve Pickens, launched PHILLY TRUCE with a mission to equip African-American males and their communities with the tools needed to foster sustainable manhood. Drawing on his rich background in music, television, film, and theater, Casher brings a creative force to the peacemaking agenda.

“Guns R4 Cowards” isn’t just a song; it’s a manifesto against the systemic violence plaguing our society. With blistering honesty, the accompanying video lays bare the roots of this violence, connecting it to conflicts as far-reaching as those in Gaza and Ukraine.

 

Casher, also known by his stage name Grand Agent, explains, “For years, I’ve been knee-deep in the fight against gun violence. Now, I’m rising above it to make a statement. We’ve needed a voice to address this issue head-on, and I’m proud to offer it, deliberately releasing it on the anniversary of Dr. King’s assassination.”

A Philadelphia native, Grand Agent has been a stalwart of the city’s cultural scene since the ’90s. Collaborating with icons like Common and Pete Rock, his influence extends globally, through multiple international tours and song placements with household names ranging from the Disney Channel to the Oprah Winfrey Show. His 2001 debut album, “By Design,” earned critical acclaim from Hip-Hop aficionados and media outlets such as The Source, XXL and Vibe.

“Guns R4 Cowards” serves as the lead single from Grand Agent’s highly anticipated album, “I Survived The Crack Era,” slated for release later this year. It’s also a cornerstone of PHILLY TRUCE’s fundraising campaign, “A-$TACK-A-DAY,” running until May 8, 2024, declared as PHILLY TRUCE DAY.