Sound check

This week we pay tribute to the people of Gaza and focus on songs that are currently making waves on the internet, spreading a message of peace and understanding around the world.

As Israeli ground forces continue to battle with Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, numerous Arab hip-hop artists have released tracks to speak out against the current devastation. Here are three artists who are doing it right:

Kollon E'edon Dababat by Shadia Mansour Despite opening for the likes of Busta Rhymes and Mobb Deep, British-born Palestinian singer/rapper Shadia Mansour clearly hasn't forgotten her Arab roots, judging by her latest release expressing her pain at the current situation.

Mansour is arguably one of the leading Arab female MCs worldwide, and her natural, flawless ability to switch between rapping and singing is rapidly becoming a cultural phenomenon.

Visit: www.myspace.com/shadiamusic

Al Ma'arakah Al Fassilla – Part II by Black Bannerz Black bannerz is one of the most outspoken critics of the Israeli-Palestinian war and is constantly campaigning to help his fellow Palestinians, especially with the current situation in Gaza. Bannerz has released Al Ma'arakah Al Fassilla – Part II as a follow-up to the track Ghaza, released on the Arabian Knightz' AK Desert Saga Mixtape, out now.

Visit: www.myspace.com/blackbannerzholywar

Free The P by The Philistines

Okay, so this track is not new, but there's no doubt it's one of the hottest releases made by US-based, Palestinian hip-hop trio, The Philistines.

Serving up hip-hop since 2001, the group has performed around the world from Vancouver, Canada to Beirut, Lebanon.

Visit: www.myspace.com/thephilistines

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