Dope fan collage put together over Jay-Z’s History.

This week’s hip-hop quotable is straight from the mouth of Brother Ali. Rhymesayers released Ali’s track Mr. President (You’re The Man) yesterday for free download on their website. While hundreds of celebratory songs have been released since Obama’s victory, this is undoubtedly my favorite. The lyrics are dead on. Click below to listen:

[See post to listen to audio]

And follow along with the lyrics after the break.

[Verse 1]
Stand on your feet the new black commander in chief/
You see the voice of the people can’t be defeated/
We got together and demanded what we needed/
The masters of suffering gotta have some relief/
No more relaxing in that passenger seat, this is/
Our country and our chance to redeem it/
I got to pinch myself I can’t believe it/
We made history happen and you seen it/
We weren’t supposed to put that man in that seat/
We’re supposed to be divided by scare tactics and greed/
Like the most a black kid could ever be/
Is rappers and athletes or selling crack on the streets/
But now’s the time to rise and shine/
We all unite behind America’s brightest mind/
I’m getting goosebumps writing this rhyme/
Almost feels like we got it right this time/
Come on!/

[Verse 2]
I seen white folks confronting their neighbors/
About that old racist McCain shit/
Out in front of where they live/
The first time in my generation/
This nation has had this real race conversation/
And then I saw Obama’s fundraising/
Groundbreaking and found out where it came from/
Not corporations but real folks donating/
I’m mean I seen thugs reading newspapers/
People in the street who been ignored for so long/
That they never saw reason at all to get involved/
Start stepping forth, became a heavy force/
And made their voice change the presidential course/
They never used to give a fuck/
Now they know they got a visit us/
At least they know they gotta listen up/
Tell them old heads the jig is up/
You will never get elected again without us/
Come on!/

[Verse 3]
Of course I know that/
The real war for being free isn’t over/
Every leader need a team of true soldiers/
And once man can’t change the world from his office/
In order to do that we gotta all get on our shit/
We gotta raise our kids/
Take the revolution we started/
Pick up where we left off and don’t quit/
Don’t care what the cost is/
Combine forces with your sisters and brothers/
And pool your resources/
Of course it’s great Barack’s in/
But now we all got to win/
Let’s have a campaign to change us from within/
Rely on each other we ain’t gotta trust them/
Our heart’s been broken by the country within/
But today I got my hand on my heart/
I might go and plant a flag in my yard/
Man fuck it!/
Two years of saying ‘Yes We Can’/
And today Barack Obama’s the man/
You gotta love it!/

“No politician in my lifetime ever inspired me as much as Obama,” said South Boston native Slaine – one-third of Boston rhyme squad Special Teamz, which also includes Edo G. “He’s our generation’s JFK or Bobby Kennedy. He’s a culmination of Martin Luther King and all these things that have been shut out of politics.”

Hip-hop has always been politically aware music, but rarely has it been as unified or as directly involved as during this current presidential campaign. Whether in the form of young people’s increased interest in the political process or Obama quoting a Jay-Z lyric during a stump speech, the influence has been felt.

“Hip-hop has stepped up to the plate like never before,” says JAM’N 94.5 DJ On&On, who hosts tomorrow’s event. “Everybody has Obama in their lyrics. Kids in the hood are aware of Sarah Palin. They are aware of issues. I feel like that’s change in itself.”

For these artists, the effects of Obama’s candidacy go beyond bumper-sticker catch phrases. They go to the core of urban issues in Boston, where the city’s budget for social programs has been reduced in recent years..

“This past summer there were a lot of kids in the streets because there wasn’t enough summer jobs,” says Edo, who performed at a concert during Gov. Deval Patrick’s 2006 campaign that Obama attended. “There were hundreds of kids trying to get a limited amount of jobs because funding was cut by Bush. If Obama wins, there will be a lot more programs oriented toward the inner city.”

And if John McCain wins?

“It’s either going to be a celebration or a riot,” Edo said.

The audience will be able to watch the election results come in, allowing them to “experience Election Night in a different way than watching from their couch at home,” On&On said.

Just as hip-hop grew from its initial perception as a passing fad to the global youth culture of today, Obama’s unlikely candidacy is on the precipice of changing America’s sense of racial identity in politics.

“Being president isn’t something that kids think about if they’re African-American,” Akrobatik said. “If Obama wins, people are going to be able to tell their sons and daughters, ‘You can do this.’ ”

Source:
Boston Herald

Obama ’08!

Some were there to celebrate the Obama campaign, while others gathered to hear rap verses. Before the lights dimmed and the show began, numerous pro-Obama shirts could be seen. One featured the phrase ”Barackstar 08,” while another had a massive hand on the front and the words ”Bye, McCain” on the back.

Ohio has hosted other concert/political rallies. One recently in Akron featured Devo, the Black Keys and Chrissie Hynde. But the Last Chance for Change was the sole event to target hip-hop voters. ”I came to see Jay-Z; I’ve never seen him live, plus it’s a good cause and it’s free,” said Julian Rogers of Cleveland.

Rogers, who works for Education Voters of Ohio, an organization that helps shape public-education policy, said he believed the event could mobilize voters.

”I think it’s a good reminder right before the election,” he said. ”I hope that they are here registering people and signing up volunteers for Election Day.”

Nick Wolkiewicz and Rob Malik also came to see Jay-Z.

Wolkiewicz, a preschool teacher visiting from Denver where he volunteers for Obama’s campaign, said the concert was entertaining, but not the most effective way to reach voters.

”I think being out on the street telling folks how to vote and where to vote, and registering people is probably more effective,” he said

Malik, a landscaper from Cleveland, said it was up to the evening’s star to seal the deal for some voters.

”I hope Jay-Z puts that in people’s minds when he’s on stage,” Malik said. ”I hope he’ll shed some light on the process and the importance for some people.”

A pre-show video touting Obama’s policy drew occasional applause, but it was the appearance of LeBron, sporting an Obama shirt, that drew the crowd to its feet.

”First, we’re here to help Obama become president, second we’re here to see Jay-Z,” said the Akron native. ”You hear people talk about change all the time, but they never really go out and make a difference.

”I need everyone in here, moms, dads, cousins, aunts, family to get out and vote on Nov. 4 because this is going to be the most important vote of our lives.”

Between speakers, a DJ played a string of current hip- hop and R&B hits, mixing in declarations to ”Vote for Obama on Tuesday.”

Shortly after 9 p.m., Jay-Z entered with LeBron, fronting a nine-piece band that included a three-piece horn section.

Wearing a thick Cleveland- weather appropriate flannel shirt and gray scarf, the rap star drew applause.

”We here to have fun tonight, but it’s also a very important election coming up,” the rapper said between songs. ”Get out right now and vote. The lines are gonna be long because we the youth are going to show them our power on Nov. 4!”

The rapper’s set included such songs as Can I Live from his revered 1996 debut Reasonable Doubt through his most recent album American Gangster. He dropped hits such as Dust Your Shoulders Off while much of the audience rapped along with him.

Though the concert was mostly about entertainment, Jay-Z turned serious on a few a cappella verses of his song Minority Report about the government’s slow response to Hurricane Katrina victims that featured pictures of President Bush interspersed with pictures of Katrina survivors.

At one point, Jay-Z brought a song to a halt to drive home a point.

”Rosa Parks sat so Martin Luther King could walk,” he said to the relatively quiet arena. ”Martin Luther King walked so Obama could run. Obama is running so we all can fly.”

Source:
Ohio.com

The support for Obama among rappers is something entirely different, with multi-platinum artist Jay-Z doing free concerts for the Obama campaign in swings states like Florida, and rapper and music producer Kanye West actually doing a “remix” of Obama’s Iowa victory speech set to soft hip-hop style background music. Also, there are numerous popular songs referencing, if not dedicated to, Obama.

Some of these are unfortunate examples, such as a random Obama reference on Three 6 Mafia’s “Lolli Lolli Pop that Body” (dubbed “worst Obama reference ever” by one blogger) and Ludracris’s “Politics As Usual,” in which he refers to Hillary Clinton as a “bitch” (causing no little controversy for the Obama campaign, which quickly moved to denounce Ludacris).

There have also been thoughtful and nuanced Obama-related rap songs, one of the most notable being “Black President” by Nas. Nas is easily one of hip-hop’s most brilliant orators, often painting himself as both street thug/gangster and Black revolutionary, while recognizing the contradictions of his own persona. In “Black President” Nas muses on what may follow an Obama victory:

KKK is like “what the fuck,” loadin’ they guns up
Loadin’ mine too, ready to ride
Cause I’m ridin’ with my crew
He dies–we die too
But on a positive side,
I think Obama provides hope and challenges minds
Of all races and colors to erase the hate
And try and love one another, so many political snakes
We in need of a break
I’m thinkin’ I can trust this brotha
But will he keep it way real?
Every innocent nigga in jail gets out on appeal
When he wins–will he really care still?

In these few lines, Nas captures the gambit of fears, hopes and doubts that swirl together in the consciousness of many Obama supporters.

The new hit “Something’s Gotta Give” from Outkast member Big Boi and R&B icon Mary J. Blige is a beautifully composed ode to the struggles of the poor and a call for social change that clearly presents Obama as solution, but also goes deeper. For the song’s hook, Blige brings her legendary talents to bear, but this time, as a cry for change instead of tales of love and heartbreak:

They try to tell us to stay strong,
But every day we losing jobs
From College Park down to Beverly Hills.
Something’s gonna have to give
Across the world they live in fear,
But it’s the same thing over here.
If you can hear me on Capitol Hill,
Something’s gonna have to give.

The video shows a homeless man and a struggling single mother who both find purpose (and apparently income) working on Obama’s campaign. Obama as a solution is a big part of the message, but the video is also clearly promoting empowerment though self-activity.

Big Boi’s lyrics are clever and class conscious throughout the song, with lines such as “You know the commonfolk, blue collar, day-to-day workers that squeeze a dollar/so maybe they can swallow a little, not a lot, just enough to fill that bottle/But it’s a million dollars a gallon for gas to get to work tomorrow.”

Later, Big Boi proposes that “Each one teach one/If you lend a helping hand/you may never need one.” This call for solidarity is an example of the hopes and expectations Obama is creating, leading to raised consciousness that can transcend electoral politics.

Blige speaks to an issue that is crucial for the Black community when she sings “Out on parole with the promise that he’ll do right/but a felon has no chance for a new start.” But while Obama has conveniently ignored this issue and given us no reason to expect him to address institutionalized racism or reform of the prison system, Blige goes on to say “the only hope I have that helps me deal with the drama/is that maybe in November I’ll be cheering for Obama.”

Whatever their contradictions, socially conscious, progressive messages in mainstream hip-hop music are a very welcome development. Also, the message is often not one of blind faith in Obama, but a thoughtful and critical optimism.

Source:
Socialist Worker .org

I’m posting yet another Obama hip-hop video in celebration of tonight’s debate – which should wrap this whole thing up. Make sure you watch, and make sure you vote! Song by MC Yogi.

The campaign also has created a video playing on the Obama Web site and YouTube that features Obama, running mate Joe Biden and a host of Michigan Democrats and popular entertainers who have hosted voter registration rallies and events in the state.”This is the biggest election of our lifetime,” Obama says in the video. “If you are already registered to vote, get your friends and family to register to vote. If you need more information about where to go, get on our Web site. … Remember, we need to do it by October 6th.”

The Democratic presidential candidate has been a huge favorite with young adults, some of whom have never voted, and with blacks. But unless supporters are registered to vote, they can’t help him on Election Day, something Obama plans to emphasize Thursday during rallies in Grand Rapids and at Michigan State University in East Lansing.

Michigan’s voter registration rolls have seen a net increase of more than 100,000 voters since January, to more than 7.2 million. Secretary of state officials won’t have a final tally until after Monday’s voter registration deadline, but Obama strategists hope to raise the number of new registrants to 150,000.

Obama’s Michigan campaign director, Amy Chapman, sent an e-mail to supporters asking them to volunteer to register voters by Monday’s deadline.

Obama’s wife, Michelle Obama, will push voter registration during a Saginaw rally at Heritage High School early Thursday afternoon before heading to Chippewa Valley High School in Macomb County’s Clinton Township for a late afternoon talk on the economy. Tickets to either event no longer are available.

The campaign also has enlisted hip-hop star Jay-Z, who will perform Saturday at Detroit’s Cobo Arena during a free rally and concert to promote voter registration. Those interested in attending can pick up one free ticket at Campaign for Change offices in Detroit, Dearborn, Southfield and Wayne County’s Canton Township.

Jay-Z, one of Obama’s favorite musicians, has won seven Grammy Awards, is married to singer Beyonce Knowles and is part-owner of the New Jersey Nets.

A spokesman for the Michigan Republican Party has said the number of eligible voters registered to vote already is high in Michigan — 95 percent. His party is focused on identifying supporters for GOP presidential candidate John McCain and on making sure they vote.

Source:
MLive

Will.I.Am and John Legend performed their now-famous Yes We Can live at last night’s Democratic National Convention.

In a campaign appearance the next day talking about the debate, Obama reached over to his shoulders and made a motion to brush off any “dirt” that may have collected there as a result of the debates, a gesture borrowed from hip-hop artist Jay-Z. The potential President of the United States being willing and knowledgeable enough to reference a major hip-hop artist is significant, and helps explain why so many young people gravitate towards his him. Hip hop is the most dominant music in the world for youth and its influence on pop culture today is unmatched.

Obama’s relationship with hip-hop is a reciprocal one. Over the course of his historic campaign, he has influenced the music even as it has continued to influence him. Though hip-hop artists have always rapped about social issues like poverty and police brutality, they typically shun electoral politics or political candidates. However, many of hip hop’s brightest stars — ranging from “underground” artists like Talib Kweli to the mainstream like Nas and Ludicris — have come out in support of Obama. Indeed, the last track on Nas’s latest album is entitled, “Black President” whose chorus is a 2Pac sample of “Yes we can…change the world.”

I wanted to understand why so many MCs have come out in support of a politician. I decided to go to the source and spoke with legendary hip hop pioneers — Slick Rick, Biz Markie, and the group Whodini — all of whom performed last night in Denver as part of the national convention festivities. They performed at a party thrown by an organization called “Party With a Purpose,” which is holding a series of events this week at the DNC in attempts to link young people and politics through music.

“Obama is going to be the first black president, the first president of color in our melting pot society,” stated Slick Rick, who considers himself a long-time Democrat. As one of the first MCs who started rhyming in the parks in New York, Slick helped form the foundation of hip-hop. Wearing his signature eye patch along with a prominent Obama button and gold chains, Slick named Obama’s ability to “walk the walk with a genuine passion” as his most impressive attribute.

Performing for a crowd of mostly people of color under 45, Slick and others moved the room by interlacing hip-hop classics with affirmative messages for today’s campaign. Party-goers — who included an enthusiastic mix of celebrities, party activists and elected officials — had an easy time singing along with the old school rhymes. Rapper Biz Markie lead the crowd in a rendition of his 1989 hit “Just a Friend,” supplanting the original chorus with: “OBAMA you. You got what I need. You gonna be the president. You gonna be the president. OBAMA you…”

Bun B, a Houston-based MC with the group UGK, told me that he had never seen so many people enlightened and galvanized. “I’m someone who people look up to and so it’s important for me to show my involvement,” Bun B said. He firmly believes that Obama gives all people, especially the disenfranchised, faith that change can happen. “[Obama's presidency] would open doors for everyone.”

Connecting Obama with the potential success of the underrepresented was a common theme among party attendees and artsists alike. Saurabh Kikani, a hip-hop enthusiast and Obama supporter from California said, “Hip-hop has always been a youth-oriented music and was born out of poverty and the mass arsons that took place in black communities in the Bronx in the late 1970s. It has embraced Obama not just because he is a black candidate from the South side of Chicago, but he represents the type of success that hip-hop glorifies.” Kikani then added that “the music is always about striving for something bigger and being the best at something whether it’s DJing, MCing, or accumulating the most wealth. But the presidency is the ultimate symbol of success.”

Ecstasy, also with the group Whodini told me with much pride, “Young black people, and children of color are always being told ‘if you put your mind to it, you can become president.’ Well, now it’s for real! We can be the president!”

Chuck D once called hip hop, the “black CNN” and made sure to bring critical social and political issues into the music. But the influence of corporate music interests, especially in the 1990s, led to music that spun in a more materialistic, “mainstream” direction. It many ways, it parallels the shift of the Democratic Party to the center during the same period under Bill Clinton.

The movement Obama’s campaign has generated is affecting not only the political system, but artistic mediums as well. “There are materialistic artists with genuine talent out there and Obama’s movement is pushing them to get beyond the bling,” Kikani further observed. “Ludicrous is a perfect example. Not too long ago he came out on the scene as a simple party rapper. Now to see the guy name dropping Obama and rapping about the Republican party and political change is something I never would have predicted.”

Like a record spinning on a turntable, hip-hop is coming full circle. It was born out of oppression and the desire for the disenfranchised to express themselves. It is now reacting to the world around it and the freshness of the Obama campaign. It is bringing the beat back to its less materialistic and more socially engaged past and going a step further by entering the electoral process. That is what hip-hop does. It takes “samples” from the past, and creates something entirely new with them.

Jalil from Whodini summed up Obama’s relationship to this moment of change for the country and for hip hop: “Same generation. Good music. Good politics. Good hip-hop. This is real hip-hop.”

Source:
The Huffington Post