Rappers, Hip Hop and Politics: Election 2012

Did you know that June is Black Music Month? Well, I thought it might be a good time to look at some strange bedfellows: rappers, hip hop, and politics. Every one remembers the jaw dropping moment when Kanye West declared George Bush doesn't like Black people. But, do we take notice of the continuous interplay of hip hop stars, rappers and the political process?

Some notables come to the forefront in support of current political candidates of both parties. Jay-Z, Russel Simmons, P. Diddy, And Will.I.Am supported Barack Obama for president in 2008 and support his reelection in 2012. Common, Nas, and Chuck D have spoken out in support of Obama, also. Naturally, the President has been attacked by Fox News and other right wing media accusing him of glorifying their lyrics of drugs, sex, and violence. Jay-Z has been particularly in the fore front supporting Obama's stance on the tax code and on gay marriage.

While the President's support and connection to hip hop and rappers might be a political liability for him, Republican politician are enclosed in a protective bubble against their supporters in the industry. Rapper KRS-One supports Ron Paul, has toured with him and appeared in the media in support of Paul. It appears that Ron Paul's racist history documented through his newsletters and his connection to white supremacists don't disturb KRS-One. Prodigy is another rapper supporting Ron Paul. Both rappers are caught up in what they call "The Obama Deception", a New World Order conspiracy theory, as reported in the Grio.

That leaves Mitt Romney, the Republican Nominee for President and his supporter Kid Rock, who responded when Romney sought him out at a political rally. Kid Rock put aside his persona rapping about "sex, drugs, and pimping women", replacing it with a more acceptable, sterile image as a  country rock star wrapped in the confederate flag. Before a packed crowd of more than 1000 supporters, Romney accepted the endorsement of Kid Rock at the Royal Oak Music Theater. Kid Rock and band then performed his anthem "Born Free," which has become the Romney campaign theme. Kid Rock joins country singers Ted Nugent, Waylon Jennings and Trace Adkins in support of Romney.

As an industry, Hip Hop and Rap have become powerful financial and media resources with the ability to influence the main stream political process.

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Using the "N" Word: Is It Ever O.K.?

Actress Gwyneth Paltrow has come under attack for using the N-word when referring to a photo of two of her African American friends Jay-Z and Beyonce.

People are confused about the etiquette of using the "N" word.

The author of the article gave this advice: There's one simple rule. If you are not African American there is no instance for using the word that is not going to be taken offensively."

I'd love to hear your comments.

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On The Record: Idris Elba

British actor Idris Elba made his initial mark playing gangster Stringer Bell in “The Wire”, acclaimed as one of the best police shows America has ever produced. Elba loved portraying the cold-blooded character, but was glad to see him come to a bad end.

Idris was born in East London to African parents. His father was from Sierra Leone and his mother from Ghana. At the age of 14, he worked with his uncle, a DJ who played music at Sierra Leonean weddings and christenings. By 15, he was a DJ in his own right. In his early twenties he started trying out for parts on British television. After playing several supporting characters, he got a steady part on “Family Affairs” in 1997.

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