The Similarities Between Rappers And Politics

From the early 1980’s until now rap has featured political themes ranging from broad social issues such as the Vietnam War and police brutality. N.W.A, a popular rap group in the early 90’s, had a song “N.W.A “F**k Tha Police” that surged in popularity in 2015, “Charting on Hot Rap Songs and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, “N.W.A “F**k Tha Police” (released in 1988), was ranked at Nos. 20 and 25 on the lists, respectively…” Spanning several decades rap artists from Tupac to Kanye have continually commented on political figures in their music and when talking to the press. While many politicians and parents have critiqued rappers persona and lifestyle, there are uncanny parallels and similarities between rappers and politicians. Both of these roles or
In 2017, Chance the Rapper was given the “Humanitarian Award” by BET for his significant financial contributions to educational institutions in his hometown of Chicago and schools across the nation. Similarly, elected politicians can vote and influence legislation to increase the educational budget or control funding for educational purposes. As rappers are beholden to their fans, but more importantly their labels, politicians are responsible to their constituents with a focus on their donors. In the many ways that rappers and politicians can be a positive influences on their communities, a dangerous exposure to a toxic culture of power, corrupts many in both the entertainment and political arena. The difference between a politician and a rapper is that the politician has a greater responsibility to take care of their community. Choosing to take part in the democratic process they vowed to be a public servant and to put the needs of others before themselves. Rappers are never required to make that commitment. Politicians have control over rap artists when they are within the politician's