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Yearwood also is working with CBC members to bring hip-hop artists to the group’s annual legislative conference in the fall. “Hip Hop does have a ways to go in terms of its image, but the fact is that the artists and the music that they put out is born and bred from the districts we represent.” Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.), who is a member of HHC’s advisory board: Yet some counter that members of Hollywood’s elite rarely get the same critique when they take up political issues, although the movies they peddle are often violent and misogynistic.Ĭounters Rep. That’s the contradiction that nobody wants to talk about,” said Tricia Rose, author of “The Hip Hop Wars.” “The music harbors and celebrates a way of behaving that works against a progressive agenda.
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“America became comfortable with the idea of a black executive because of all the hip-hop moguls.”īut the skepticism about political projects under the hip-hop label remains. Hip-hop “opened doors to build friendships between African-Americans and Latinos and whites,” he said. Andre Carson, who sits on the advisory board and is himself a former emcee, said hip-hop doesn’t get enough credit for creating the climate that allowed for Obama’s ascendance. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.), who chairs both the CBC and the HHC’s advisory panel. “The Hip Hop Caucus does an incredible job of connecting young people in urban communities with the political and legislative process,” said Rep.
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Now, 21 members of the CBC are on the advisory panel to the Caucus, which has field teams in 48 cities. Members of the Congressional Black Caucus served as early mentors for the organization, back when the Hip Hop Caucus was still being confused with a rap group. “We allow their perspective so that voice doesn’t get lost in the discourse.” “We are giving voice to those who are outside of institutions, folks who are not in college, who didn’t graduate high school we are able to tap people at the barber shop, on the block and in the beauty salon,” Yearwood said. Yearwood submitted a memo to Obama’s transition team, has reached out to the EPA and the public liaison’s office and is looking to work with the White House Office of Urban Affairs to push its agenda. Their agenda is a progressive one, centered on health care, education, climate change and livable cities. These days, Yearwood, 39, who often sports a Green the Block baseball cap, Hip Hop Caucus pin and clergy collar, is up on the Hill three to four times a week, meeting with elected officials and sitting in on hearings. His face was the universal picture for change,” said Jeff Chang, author of “Can’t Stop Won’t Stop: A History of the Hip-Hop Generation.” “But the thing about hip-hop is that it’s been a cultural force and great at mobilizing and messaging - but the political end isn’t unitary or stable, and it’s recent.” “You couldn’t go anywhere without seeing Obama. One popular T-shirt has Obama sporting a Kangol cap, Gazelle glasses and a fat gold chain with the tag “Run DC.” Young Jeezy’s “My President’s Black” was in heavy rotation last summer, and many in the hip-hop generation take credit for Obama’s victory and count him as one of their own. Vice President Al Gore’s wife, Tipper, worked to get advisory stickers put on some rap records to warn parents of violent and misogynistic lyrics.Įnter Obama. Bill Clinton criticized rapper Sistah Souljah in 1992 in order to appear more centrist.