New York City is known for many things. Skyscrapers that block out the sun. Endless pathways of cement, concrete and tar that obliterate all but the smallest signs of nature. A large population of homeless people. An escalating crime rate.

The citizens of the “Big Apple” are frequently portrayed as power hungry businessmen, raving lunatics or rude scumbags. Gangs supposedly run rampant in the streets. Drugs are readily available on street corners.

In this stereotypical view of New York City, there is no place for peace, love, happiness or unity. Fortunately, Rising Lion, a reggae collective with a conglomerate of influences, has begun to break the stereotypical wall down, brick by brick.

“It is important to the welfare of our children’s future that we expand social consciousness through our music,” vocalist/lyricist Danny Dred said. “We open people’s minds and eyes up. That is our job.”

Dred realizes that, as a reggae musician and a rastafarian, it is his job to remove stereotypes and to “make the world a better place to live in.”

He follows in the footsteps of such legendary visionaries as Bob Marley and Peter Tosh, both of whom Dred respects immensely and cites as major influences and “forefathers.”

But Marley and Tosh aren’t the only influences that Dred is quick to cite. A few others include Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughn and Willie Nelson. All of these influences are evident, as are elements of hip-hop, jazz and R&B, on Rising Lion’s ’97 debut release, “New Day.”

Rising Lion was formed roughly five years ago when Dred realized he needed to progress as a musician. He had previously played with a various assortment of musicians in several reggae groups throughout a 15 year time span.

Although Dred is from Florida, which he describes as a “beautiful place where it’s easy to interact with nature,” he has found success in a city that never sleeps, a city that is “completely opposite of Florida.”

His group has gained a large global following because of its unique reggae texture and honest lyrics.

“It’s because we deal with social issues,” he explained. “Our music is about making the world a better place to live in. It’s pure consciousness that speaks on different levels to different people. The views in my songs are my viewpoints. There is no facade; I speak from my heart.”

His audiences understand and appreciate that. Dred is truly an artist who is trying to break down barriers and expand society’s knowledge on a vast array of topics, including social healing, understanding and diversity.

One of his most recently written songs, which will be included on a CD the group is planning to record this spring and release during the summer, is called “Landmine Hypocrisy.”

It deals with places like Bosnia, where armies leave live landmines on the ground that eventually maim and kill innocent women and children.

That is just one of the many issues that Dred is bringing to the surface. Another issue he is not afraid to speak about is the legalization of marijuana.

“I think it should be legalized because it is an herb,” he said. “It’s hypocritical that it is illegal in our country because this country was founded on hemp. Our forefathers cultivated hemp, our government grew it for use in World War II. Then, suddenly, it was banned in 1947 because of public misconceptions and harmful propaganda.

“Look at alcohol,” he added. “It is more harmful, but it is legal. Millions of people are killed by cigarettes every year and they are legal. In the end, it is all about money and lobbying. There are industries that would never allow marijuana to be legalized, like the tobacco industry, because it is not in the best interest of their industry.

“But it would be in the best interest of the people,” he concluded. “After all, hemp is cleaner and more efficient than petroleum. I suggest that people open their minds and check it out.”

Rising Lion will play an all-ages show at the M-Shop Sunday night. The concert begins at 8 p.m. and ticket are $3.