We care too. Rappers Influence on the Election.
Artists from Will.i.am to Dem Franchize Boys have put out videos in response to the upcoming presidential elections. In the past we have seen top of the totem poll hip-hip icons like P.Diddy and Russel Simmons fight for the vote, and they are just as vocal this election. The surprise is how many other young, and unsuspected artists have an opinion on the issue and are making it known. Now more than ever, while history is in the making, we need these artists to show they care and stress how important the voting process is to the many young people who look up to them.
I have seen hip-hop artists for Hilary and Obama, but I would say the hip-hop community as a whole definitely favors Obama. His ability to speak, and speak so well on issues that effect us everyday is why I, a rap artist, and many other rap artists have been able to relate to his campaign. Even on TV his presence is felt, and it is just so…presidential. He is the only candidate I have seen in my 20 years of life that can say that they are a president for the people and I actually believe them.
Let me break down why the hip-hop community could feel Obama based on his past alone. He was raised by a single mother, like us. He smoked weed in high school, like us. (Not to mention he was honest about his drug use, unlike some of the other ex-presidents). He played basketball, like us. And on top of all the similarities he might have to the average young man on the mic, he was able to raise above all the racism, stereotypes, etc. and is this close (I’m holding my thumb and index together) to becoming the President of the United States of America. Now that’s some shit right there.
Just as we are looking for a change in our deteriorating communities, about two hours ago I attended the funeral of a friend who lost his life prematurely to the gun, he speaks on these subjects. Just as the state of mainstream hip-hop has drifted far from the island where it once started, and for the worse in my opinion, he graces the cover of Vibe and speaks directly to its followers. We have a man running for president who preaches change and has gotten me to actually watch CNN, and trust me, I don’t watch CNN. To convince the young people and the hip-hop artists in particular, to get excited about our country and ready to vote is a job only Obama and this election could have done.
Most profound, relevant, speech I have heard.
Filed under: By Youth, For Youth, Pop Culture, roach report | Tagged: hip hop, Obama
[...] We care too. Rappers Influence on the Election. « Youth Radio Flows [...]
It’s good that rappers are actually talking about something RELEVANT, not ignorant subjects, even though the presidential election is not the most conscious topic they can rap about. In Dead Prez’s poem titled “4 The Hood”, M-1 says “You expect me to vote for the lesser of two evils? Never. It’s more like the evil of two lessers. That’s like saying M, choose yo’ oppressor. Pick One, Jeffrey Dahmer or Hannibal Lecter” This quote shows how no matter who wins the election, the “leader” will most likely not be “For the people”, as much as that is what we want. While Obama seems like the best candidate to me, him and his part still commit very capitalist acts that in reality will bring no change. But like I said, it’s cool that some rappers are rapping about some real shit, and not about poppin pills.