Sean Combs, who also created the Vote or Die campaign, was able to interview Obama while working as a reporter for MTV News at the DNC, and spoke with him about informed political participation on 16 January 2009. But Andre 3000 was not the only person in the Hip-Hop community to speak with Barack Obama that night. Obama contended that it was important to understand how politics and voting relate to the individual’s personal situation, receiving nods in agreement from the rapper. Why? Ain’t nobody black runnin but crackers, so, why I got to register? I’m thinking of better shit to do with my time.’’ Andre 3000’s disillusionment with the electoral process and system is noticeable from this verse. Andre 3000 had previously rhymed in Outkast’s song ‘‘Get up, Get Out,’’ ‘‘Y’all tellin me that I need to get out and vote, huh.
But 2008 was not the POTUS’s first encounter with Hip-Hop.īefore his famous introduction to the American public at the 2004 Democratic National Convention, Obama was backstage giving political participation and efficacy advice to Southern rapper Andre 3000, part of the duo Outkast, a conversation featured in the political documentary film "The After Party." During this interview, Obama explained why people should be interested in political participation regardless of their economic or celebrity status because ‘‘Uncle Sam is taking part of your check.’’ Obama elaborated on the importance of sophisticated political participation, primarily voting. He has also mentioned many rap artists in passing, including southern rapper Young Jeezy. Obama has shared that he has various Hip-Hop artists on his iPod playlist, including Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, and Ludacris. He declared he was a fan of Hip-Hop and even had a private meeting with controversial southern rap artist Ludacris. Hip-Hop music was prominently featured in Obama’s campaign. Many of the voters of this election were brought into the fold as a result of the Barack Obama campaign’s savvy use of social networking media, grassroots mobilization, and celebrities including Hip-Hop celebrities.
In 2008, a historic election placed a Black man in the Oval Office. Excerpted from "Pulse of the People: Political Rap Music and Black Politics"
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