By Ismael AbduSalaam
In the wake of Barack Obama’s historic Democrat nominee acceptance speech, the stars of Hip-Hop are voicing their opinion of what the moment means for them and the responsibility of the culture moving towards the November 4 general election.
Last night in Denver, Barack Obama officially accepted the Democrat nomination for president of the United States, a feat coming on the 45th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream Speech.”
Obama sought to immediately create distinction between his policies and that of his opponent John McCain, blasting his rival on healthcare, the economy, his support of President Bush, and for being out of touch with middle-class America.
“It’s not because John McCain doesn’t care,” Obama stated. “It’s because John McCain doesn’t get it…It’s time for us to change America and that’s why I’m running for President of the United States.”
Bun B, who plans to also attend the Republican National Convention, reviewed the importance of Hip-Hop culture having a visible presence at each convention.
“I’m out here to show my support for the process. I think people get caught up in the party and the politics,” Bun explained to AllHipHop.com. “I’m here to show Hip-Hop’s support for the process. It’s important for people to see that Hip-Hop cares and is showing responsibility. And that our voice matters in this election.”
Fellow Houston rapper Chamillionaire was awed by the event and humbled to witness history.
“The imagery and message behind Obama’s speech was more powerful than any that I have ever seen in my lifetime,” an inspired Chamillionaire told AllHipHop.com. “It’s really refreshing to see history unfold like this.”
Not everyone was won over by Obama’s eloquent words and policy points.
Reggaeton star Daddy Yankee remained firm in his endorsement of John McCain, who he feels has a stronger track record with the Hispanic community.
“I am here to endorse Senator McCain because I believe in his ideals and his proposals to lead this nation,” Daddy Yankee stated yesterday at a Phoenix appearance with McCain. “And like I said before, he has been a fighter for the Hispanic community, and I know that for me personally, I chose him as the best candidate because he has been a fighter for the immigration issue.”
Viewing the political process through the lens of a father, Rev. Run chose to focus on Obama’s family as the foundation that made his ascent a reality.
“I feel ultimately that the love he has at home is what made last night possible, because the love of family is what all of us need to tap into if we’re going to help Obama reshape America,” Run reasoned. “I know it and Obama knows it; nothing can help make your dreams come true more than a loving family.”
Dr. Ben Chavis, CEO of the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network, analyzed the moment by crafting Obama as the potential bridge between the Civil Rights Movement and Hip-Hop culture.
“His speech transcended status-quo politics, race, and divisive ideology. Obama’s address, in the vein of Dr. King, was one of the greatest and most impactful speeches of the 21st century,” Dr. Chavis disclosed to AllHipHop.com. “From a Hip-Hop perspective, Obama’s speech was hot; it was the new America speech and it powerfully reverberated a new vibe about the reality that now is the responsible time to change America and the world into a better place.”
Rapper and activist David Banner was more direct his analysis, stating that Obama simply did what no presidential candidate in his lifetime has done; show a backbone.
“Obama showed America that he wasn’t no punk,” Banner affirmed. “He showed his strength by addressing what people viewed as his weaknesses. He didn’t run from them. I’ve never seen a Presidential candidate do that.”
While many focused on the bullet point details of the speech, Banner emphasized that he was more impressed by the Democrat nominee’s poise in a moment rife with staggering emotion, which in turn helped illuminate the stark alternative he represents to the Republican party.
“Most black orators are often too emotional and wear their hearts on their sleeves. I was impressed that you could see the passion in Obama’s eyes, but it didn’t weaken what he was actually conveying,” Banner explained. "Please Hip-Hop generation don’t take this election lightly...get out and vote.”
Presumptive Republican nominee John McCain will make his own presidential case on September 1 through September 4 in Saint Paul, Minnesota at the Republican National Convention.