As the nation prepares for the inauguration of Barack Obama today (January 20), hitmaking R&B crooner D’Angelo and a number of rappers are weighing in on the impact the soon-to-be President will have over the next four years.
The singer is among those who believe Obama’s presidency will result in an upward swing for the country in light of current economic issues and negative perceptions among those living in and outside the U.S.
“Barack Obama is one of the most progressive and dynamic leaders in the world,” D’Angelo told AllHipHop.com via a statement. “I believe that even in the face of domestic and global adversity, he will bring about important change.”
D’Angelo’s comments come on the eve of Obama’s swearing in as the nation’s 44th President.
An estimated 2 -3 million people are expected to attend the inauguration, which will feature Obama delivering a highly anticipated 18- to 20- minute speech before the country.
On Monday (January 19), the President-elect encouraged everyone to commemorate the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday by actively volunteering in a community service project.
A number of rappers have heeded President Obama’s call to action.
Russell Simmons’ Hip-Hop Summit Action Network (HSAN) honored rappers like Bow Wow, T.I. and Young Jeezy last night at the Hip-Hop Inaugural Ball in Washington, D.C.
Bow Wow, Young Jeezy, T.I. received awards for their efforts in encouraging youth to vote in the past election.
“We celebrated the outstanding contributions of Hip-Hop leaders to make this particular inauguration possible. We not only had the hottest Inaugural Ball, we had one of the most meaningful,” HSAN Executive Director Valeisha Butterfield added. A new CNN poll finds that Obama’s election has resulted in two thirds of African Americans believing that Dr. Martin Luther King’s vision of race relations has been fulfilled in more than 45 years since the slain civil rights leader gave his famous “I Have a Dream” speech in 1963. “I told my wife ten years ago that this day would happen and she didn’t believe me,” LL Cool J added. “Well, honey, I was right! This is an amazing time period for those who have to see in order to believe. Now you see.” According to Dr. Benjamin Chavis, President and CEO of HSAN, the Hip-Hop community has helped bring about a change that will transform the entire country. “Barack Obama’s inauguration and the evolution of Hip-Hop culture have a defining congruence and, as a result, America and the human family around the world will never be the same,” Dr. Chavis stated.
