Tajai asked fans to help rebuild his Panama hotel after an earthquake left parts of it in ruins. The Hieroglyphics MC’s $500,000 appeal prioritizes aid for his staff.

The first $40,000 would help Hotel Hibiscus Garden’s 10 workers and their families get through six months without steady work. The rest would help rebuild the hotel, restaurant and a planned community gym.

“We are safe, and we are grateful for that,” the campaign stated.

It described cracked rooms and a wrecked workshop. “The restaurant’s entire second floor has been destroyed and is in danger of collapse.”

Most buildings may need to come down, though engineers still need to check them. The campaign’s $500,000 goal could change once those checks and building bids are in.

Panama declared a state of emergency after the October 9 quake damaged homes, schools, roads and health centers. Veraguas, where the hotel is based, was among the areas the government singled out for aid.

For Tajai, the damage hit a project he had spent a decade building. The Pacific coast hotel near Santa Catalina also operates as Bliss Beach Panama, a place for artists and travelers to unwind. Before the quake, guests could take yoga classes or join group retreats.

A volunteer exchange program also let visitors stay longer and help out.

Tajai’s roots in Hip-Hop go back much further. The Oakland MC formed Souls of Mischief with A-Plus, Opio and Phesto in high school. The four joined the wider Hieroglyphics crew with Del The Funky Homosapien, Casual and Pep Love.

Their 1993 debut, 93 ‘Til Infinity, offered a fresh take on West Coast rap. The group’s sharp rhymes and laid-back beats set them apart from much of that era’s gangsta rap. The title track reached No. 72 on the Hot 100, giving the group its first chart hit.

He also helped run Hieroglyphics’ business. The crew built an artist-owned label and stayed close to fans as it forged a life outside the major-label system. Souls of Mischief celebrated 30 years since their 2023 debut with a 93-date world tour.

Tajai brought a second set of skills to his Panama venture.

Alongside his rap career, he trained in building design and earned a master’s in architecture from the University of California, Berkeley. His hotel grew into a space for visiting artists and local events.

The campaign promised spending updates every two weeks. Readers can support the Hotel Hibiscus Garden rebuilding fundraiser here.