Over the course of Sen. Barack Obama’s campaign, there have been a few not-so intellectual public quotes from members of the hip-hop community. But placing the Ludacris’ and 50 Cents’ aside, there are some artists who’ve actually shared some insightful perspectives on the current political climate of America and the Democratic nominee himself. Over the course of the year, ro talked to some of music’s biggest stars about their concerns surrounding the candidates. –gavin philip godfrey
Who: Miami raised MC and of Cuban immigrants, Pitbull
Hear this: “American War”
On why felons and minorities must vote: “If he doesn’t get into office, it could make a lot of people have a lot of disbelief in the voting system. As far as the voting system you have – first of all if you’re a felon, which unfortunately I was – I got that expunged, that means I can vote now. You guys can do the same. As a felon I paid income taxes, but I couldn’t vote so as a felon you can do the same – expunge it, vote. We’re getting more educated, we’re opening up our minds, and we’re becoming more powerful. Obviously, minorities run this country … believe it or not and whether you like it, I don’t care it’s just the truth.”
Who: Mississippi’s finest, David Banner
Hear this: “So Long”
On why Barack represents change in Black psyche: “I do think it’s a possibility for a person to get in and make a change, but what I do believe is that the problems of America; it’s what you call Old World Order – it’s not new. It’s been power way before we were here, so it’s going to take a long time to get out of that. You even look at George Bush – George Bush is the worst president in the history of man…Most people are looking at Obama as a savior. Most people are looking at Obama as a relief for them. Obama is the beginning of black people not having excuses no more. We can’t blame it on ‘The Man’ no more because ‘The Man’ is about to be a black man. So, this is our opportunity to squash all excuses and stand up and work harder. If this man gets into office, it’s time for us to work harder now because now the opportunity and the spotlight is on us.”
Who: Sri Lankan-born international music star MIA
Hear this: “$20”
On why youth voting is so crucial: “When I started making music and stuff it [was] the politics in America that kind of got me pissed off…I started writing in England and that’s where I’m coming from and all, but England is a lot more passive politically. The [minority youth] just don’t seem to have an opinion. Young American people are very open-minded in that it’s their reaction to Bush that makes people sort of appreciate that there’s another point of view or another opinion and it’s more Democratic than what [Bush and McCain] are talking about.”
