Naughty By Nature’s Treach Explains Ras Baraka Endorsement—Despite Not Trusting Politicians

Treach has backed Ras Baraka’s gubernatorial run with a powerful personal endorsement, calling the Newark mayor a leader “cut from a different cloth” during a live appearance promoting Baraka’s campaign.

The Naughty By Nature frontman talked to Hakim Green and Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur during the recent  Ras for Governor DJ Marathon. He made it clear his support wasn’t political theater—it was personal.

“I done been through a lot of politicians and I don’t trust ’em,” Treach said. “So when it comes to somebody where I gotta stand for and say this is that dude and this is who you need to support and go vote for—it’s only for me. I keep my word is bond.”

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Treach has long been a voice of the streets. Their connection runs deep, going back to when Baraka was still a school principal.

“He was calling me in when the kids was acting up… before being mayor, he was on the ground, in the streets, bringing the people together,” Treach explained.

The Hip-Hop vet emphasized that Baraka has always had an open-door policy, never turning away conversations from community members, no matter their background.

“He ain’t never say, ‘I ain’t got the time,’” Treach said. “He check that Rolodex and say, ‘Come in today at this time,’ and it’s been open arms since day one.”

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Treach pointed to initiatives like Hakim Green’s 24 Hours of Peace, a yearly anti-violence festival in New York inspired by Newark’s own anti-violence work, as proof of Baraka’s impact.

“He was out there with that bullhorn screaming for peace way before he ever stepped in City Hall,” Treach said.

With the New Jersey primary being Tuesday (June 10), Treach urged voters to show up and show out for Baraka.

“Your vote really does count,” he declared. “The same way he be out there repping for people—even getting cuffs on for people—we got to be there and vote so he can have the power to do even more.”

The rapper also encouraged donations to support Baraka’s campaign, saying financial contributions could help amplify his message against well-funded opposition. “Usually the ones with the most money win. But we gotta make sure the people win this time,” he told Green and Creekmur.

Treach ended his comments with a heartfelt reminder that this election isn’t just about politics, it’s about the people.

“This is about the future of the youth, the community, the people. It ain’t just Black people—it’s for all.”