Barack Obama gets name-dropped in hip-hop
Vibe magazine, one of the leading publications covering hip-hop, put Obama on its cover over the headline "It's Obama Time."
WASHINGTON (CNN) - Vibe magazine has dubbed him "B-Rock." He's getting shout-outs in some of the most popular hip-hop singles of the summer. He's even had a high-profile meeting with Ludacris.
Barack Obama might not be leading the Democratic presidential field in national polls, but the freshman senator has managed to capture the imagination of the hip-hop community, comprised mostly of rap artists, music industry professionals, activists and young fans of all races.
Despite Obama's sometimes critical opinion of rap music, the candidate's name is being dropped on iPods, car stereos and music Web sites across the country.
- CNN South Carolina Producer Peter Hamby
I'm sick and tired of Obama itemizing all that's wrong with America and suggesting what COULD fix things, but I never hear a well-thought-out "I will do this, or I will do that" except that he's going to stop the war if 15 minutes or so. Does he really THINK? or is he just good at talking? Why doesn't he put forth his agenda, clearly, so we can know what he's going to do.
Hillary and Obama are both probably unelectable (for different reasons), so it's hard to see where any of this blather really matters.
However, I think it's irresponsible of anyone to accept the endorsement of a genre of people who represent the worst of what our society has to offer.
Bruce of Franklin TN writes:
“I think it's irresponsible of anyone to accept the endorsement of a genre of people who represent the worst of what our society has to offer.”
I abhor the violent, misogamist and materialistic aspects of hip-hop. And no one has been more critical of these elements than Senator Obama. But let’s not condemn the whole genre. There are intelligent insightful hip-hop artists as well. And anything that gets young people involved in the process is fine by me. Furthermore, it should be clear by now that no one can tell hip-hop artists what to write.
Chris of Florida says: “It’s so funny to see through everything” but clearly sees nothing.
First of all, most hip-hop fans are white. And Obama is by no means guaranteed the African-American vote. I’m half Italian and there’s never been an I talian-American President, but I sure won’t be voting for Giuliani or Tancredo. Like most Americans I care about my country more than my ethnicity.
My guess is Obama is embarrassed by this whole story. He is so not a hip-hop kind of guy.
Pimp Daddy B-Rock? Oh my !!
Instead of you Republican hacks criticizing him for being on the cover of VIBE, why don't you all research what he actually is trying to tell the black youth of today:
In the VIBE article about him he says:
"There's no doubt that hip-hop culture moves our young people powerfully. And some of it is not just a reflection of reality," he told the magazine. "It also creates reality. I think that if all our kids see is a glorification of materialism and bling and casual sex and kids are never seeing themselves reflected as hitting the books and being responsible and delaying gratification, then they are getting an unrealistic picture of what the world is like."
Obama seemed unwilling to use raunchy rap as a rallying cry in his campaign: "My priority as a U.S. senator is dealing with poverty and educational opportunity and adequate health care. If I'm ignoring those issues and spending all my time worrying about rap lyrics, then I'm wasting my time."
^^ Sounds like someone with a genuine message for people of all colors in this country…
We are Americans, I think its time we start acting like it and heal the wounds and the ripples this present administration has caused on the very fabric of our country. Democrat, Republican..who cares? Listen to the candidates regardless of party and decide for yourself who has the vision and more importantly the WILL to bring this country together again.
Posted By Evan Esteves, Boca Raton, FL : August 18, 2007 5:21 am
Thank you EVAN... for showing some of these 'sheeple' what the article ACTUALLY SAYS. CNN posts an article and noone actually goes out there and does their own research. EDUCATE YOURSELF PPL!
6 companies own the WHOLE of the media. They tell you what to think and what to do.
EDUCATE YOURSELF. Don't let the mainstream media influence you.
It's all well and good B-Rock gets his props in Vibe, but does he have grassroots supporters making a Hip Hop song for them. Let alone one with such a sweet hook as "If you dont want the state to take food off your plate, vote for Ron Paul in 2008." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlPjsGFcXlg