By Jawn Murray, BlackVoices.com
Nobody can argue that presidential hopeful Barack Obama hasn't made the 2008 presidential election hip, sexy and relevant to people who traditionally feel that their vote "doesn't count" and folks who could just care less about politics.
Hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons and rap entrepreneurs like Sean "Diddy" Combs have shown political activism in previously elections, but it seems as though both hip-hop and
Since then, rapper/producer Will.i.am of the Black Eye Peas and the southern hip-hop collective Dem Franchize Boyz have both released music videos about the upcoming election.
Will.i.am (real name William James Adams, Jr.) has produced a music video titled 'Yes We Can' that features a bevy of music stars and Hollywood actors in a song that centers on Obama's
Though Obama lost the primary that night, his speech captivated Americans and thus was the inspiration behind the rap star's music video, which was directed by Jesse Dylan (song of Bob Dylan).
Singer John Legend, jazz great Herbie Hancock, Tatyana Ali ('The Fresh Prince of Bel Air'), Harold Perrineu ('Lost'), Nicole Scherzinger of the Pussycat Dolls, Hill Harper ('CSI: NY'), Kate Walsh ('Private Practice'), Nick Cannon, rapper Common, Aisha Tyler ('Ghost Whisperer'), and hoops legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and others are among the celebrities scattered throughout the 'Yes We Can' video.
VIDEO: Watch Will.i.am's 'Yes We Can' music video:
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Dem Franchize Boyz are taking a different approach with the music video for their single, 'Talkin' Out Da Side Of Ya Neck.'
The Atlanta-bred rap quartet features several Democrat and Republican candidates in their music video, including Obama, Hillary Clinton, John Edwards, Mitt Romney, John McCain, Mike Huckabee and Rudy Giuliani.
The rap tune seems fitting during this political climate, particularly since politicians are often accused of spinning their answers and regularly avoiding the truth.
'Talkin' Out Da Side Of Ya Neck' is the lead single from Dem Franchize Boyz's forthcoming third studio album, 'At The Point Of No Return', which is due out April 1 on Virgin Records.
VIDEO: Watch Dem Franchize Boyz 'Talkin' Out Da Side Of Ya Neck' music video:
Comments: (6)
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By: Natalia on 3/04/2008 12:30PM
Obama will win this election. Show your support.
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By: calvin on 3/05/2008 2:53PM
we need more political rappers, more conscious rappers, more educated rappers. You are not only saving rap you are saving a nation. What's going to happen to the next generation of rappers.
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By: Tanya Turner on 3/05/2008 12:44PM
I believe what young america has to really consider, is the fact that a new party is needed so that your voices are heard. The democratic party, nor the republican party has your best interest at heart. Whatever you believe in, the repubicans would blow you off immediatetly, whereas the democrats would pretend to be you friend, and blow you off a week later. Take back you country young America.
Go Obama
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By: Save up to 25% on Computers, Electronics, Diamond Jewelry, Video Games... on 3/05/2008 9:44AM
I THINK IT'S ALWAYS GOOD TO SEE THE HIP-HOP KOMMUNITY KOME TOGETHER TO DO SOEMTHING THAT'S NOT NEGATIVE.
THINS LIKE THIS ARE LONG OVERDUE.
WILL-I-AM AND DEM FRANSHIZE BOYZ ARE BOTH RESPEKTED IN HIP-HOP.
THE DAY SHOULD KOME WHEN ALL ARTIST USE THE TALENT THAT THE MOST MERCIFUL GAVE THEM TO DO SOMETHING OTHER THAN TALK ABOUT GUNS, DRUGS AND HOES.
MAYBE THIS KAN BE THE BEGINNING OF THE FUTURE OF HIP-HOP, A MORE SENSIBLE WORDING IN MUSIK.
KOMMON SENSE SHOULD SHOW PEOPLE THAT IF YOU RAP ABOUT DEATH, GUNS, DRUGS AND HOES.
YOUR LIFE QUICKLY BEKOMES SURROUNDED BY ELEMENTS OF DEATH, GUNS, DRUGS AND HOES.
MOST OF THESE RAPPERS ARE NOT EVEN FROM THE STREETS, AND HAVE NEVER BEEN TO JAIL OR PRISON, YET SPEAK VERY HIGHLY ABOUT WHAT THEY HAVE LEARNED FROM OTHERS WHO HAVE SEEN THESE EXPERIENCES.
BE WISE ABOUT YOUR CHOICE OF WORDS, AND ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT ALTHOUGH YOU LIVE ON THE EAST KOAST, SOONER OR LATER YOU WILL HAVE A PERFORMANCE OR KONCERT THAT IS ON THE WEST KOAST.
AND BELIEVE ME, WEST KOAST AIN'T TOO FOND OF EAST KOAST BRUTHAS AND SISTAHS WHO KLAIM THE LIFESTYLE OF THE B AND THE C BUT ARE NOT AKTUALLY LIVING THE LIFE ON A DAILY BASIS.
MR. ABOMA IS A TRUE AND LIVING GODSENT THAT SHOULD BE PRAISED FOR HIS VISION AND AMBITION TOWARDS HELPING HIS PEOPLE FURTHER THEMSELVES.
MRS. KLINTON.......
I WAS ALWAYS TOLD THAT IF I DIDN'T HAVE ANYTHING GOOD TO SAY ABOUT SOMEONE, NOT TO SAY ANYTHING.
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By: FOE REAL on 3/06/2008 12:26AM
This may backfire. Last time all these celebs came out supporting Kerry and what happen, Bush a@# still got in there. It's not about popular votes people, it's about the electorial votes, ( do your homework) that's how Bush got in there the last 2 terms. Gore, and Kerry had the most votes and still lost. If you vote for someone because of their race, or because celebs are backing them, then that's really sad. Quit being band-wagon voters and really vote for the person who would really get the job done. No one knew nothing about Obama until he was on the Oprah show. When Bill was president, blacks were malking $5000 more on their jobs. This is a fact. So why blacks are turning their backs on them now. Just yesterday we were saying that he was black, so what's change? Obama mom is white. I hear people saying that it's not about experience, it's about change. Okay, if your house was on fire, would you want someone off the streets to put it out or a firemen? Do your homework on these canidates, don't let the celebs do it for you. Hillary and Obama are two good canidates, but I'm voting for Hilary.
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By: Can't Understand on 3/08/2008 8:48PM
Yes, Obama is a vehicle of change and those of us who believe in his potential must stand steadfast in our support.
Just an aside... what's with commentor #2... makes some very good points and seems to be able to articulate him/herself... but can't leave the "life" alone? Are you allergic to using "C's"? Our people have come so far, yet we still have a long ways to go.
To quote commentor #2 "YOUR LIFE QUICKLY BEKOMES SURROUNDED BY ELEMENTS OF DEATH, GUNS, DRUGS AND HOES."
I would add to that...especially when you are a part of a GANG... grow up! Use the "C" in the words and stop substituting with "K"s...in the end none of that foolishness really matters.... use your WISDOM wisely.
And to FOE Real...your point is well taken, however, When BILL Clinton was in office HE did those things, HILLARY is NOT Bill and it is not guaranteed that it will happen again. As for the fact that blacks made $5000 more (where did you get these states from? your old tax statements? LOL), have you ever considered the fact that it was because of the party who was leading government at the time? I agree that we should not vote for a person because of the color of their skin, however, we should not NOT vote for them just to be the opposition either. Your choice is your choice because you feel Clinton is the best (and I respect that) and those who are for Obama think that he is the best.
YOU may not have known about Obama until he was on Oprah, but please don't group us all together--there are many of us that are in tune with what is going on in our government. We all need to do our homework, because in the end whether it's Obama or Hillary on the final ticket, as Democrats we are going to end up supporting either. We have to listen to what both are saying (and while we still may have our preference} we must understand that we still MUST vote for our PARTY regardless! November 6th 2008 vote regardless of who wins: Obama or Clinton! We cannot afford to have another 4 years under Republican government (think of the history: Reagan 8yrs (Drugs in the US maximized--crack epidemic), Bush Sr, 4yrs (8 as Vice President & recession, Gulf WAR--Iran Contra!) Bush Jr, 8 yrs (Iraq War, 9/11, recession). Under Democratic rule there were no Foreign Affairs problems, unemployment was down, people had jobs, money was good.
Sorry for the long babble... just thoughts on my mind... CHANGE is GOOD!
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