Publication Type: Panelist Abstract
Abstract: This paper examines the ways in which hip-hop music and hip-hop media engaged the candidacy of Barack Obama in the 2008 presidential campaign. It argues that from Obama’s declaration of candidacy in early 2007 the hip-hop community’s gravitation to him developed slowly, principally from “conscious” and underground rappers like Kidz in the Hall and Common until winning the Democratic party’s nomination in the summer of 2008. Mirroring the wide enthusiasm of African Americans at large, a wider group of rappers, from commercial to underground, referenced Obama in song or supported him via activist work. Still, there was a degree of tempered enthusiasm among some who recognized the liability that their support may play in a very vocal endorsement, reflecting concerns about hip-hop’s problematic image in wider society. Others, unaware or unconcerned about the consequences of their vocal support, celebrated Obama in songs that may be considered wildly offensive to many voters. This paper also considers the context of the hip-hop community’s support in which the George W. Bush is widely viewed as anathema to black interests.