In recent years, rap and hip hop has become even more politically ambitious with the rise of figures such as Kendrick Lamar, Killer Mike, and other significant artists. Specifically, Killer Mike has discussed his beliefs and values in relation to the presidential election. After expressing his support for Bernie Sanders, he interviewed him while discussing democratic socialism, drugs, and the undeniable threat of presidential candidate Donald Trump.
Killer Mike, or Michael Render, is an African American rapper from Atlanta, Georgia, and he was born in 1975. He has not only worked with OutKast, but he has also formed Run the Jewels with El-P. Most importantly, Killer Mike is often recognized as a social and political activist; he focuses on issues including social equality, police brutality, and racism in the United States.
Killer Mike announced his support for Sanders in June 2015, and in November and December, he voiced his support at rallies, on television programs, and on other social media outlets. One of the big passions that both Render and Sanders have in common is their respect for Martin Luther King Jr. and his policies. When Killer Mike asked Sanders about socialism and how it affects the African American community, Sanders highlighted the importance of economic rights and the positive effects of anger in the presidential race. According to Sanders, remaining angry is not beneficial in that it typically creates resentment; however, it is important to voice one's anger in order to see change and response.
The two men shared common values about Donald Trump, as well. They were quick to recognize why Trump's campaign has been so successful - it provides hope while evoking fear and discomfort among many Americans.
Once again we see music artists voicing their own (as well as other people's) concerns about issues faced in society. In this case, Killer Mike is using his fame to back a presidential candidate. In the current election, social media (such as twitter) has played a large role in most candidate's campaign's. By also having Killer Mike backing him,Bernie Sanders' place in social media will grow.
ReplyDeleteRecently, musicians in the United States have started to become increasingly more expressive of their personal feelings regarding social issues. Through music, musicians, like Killer Mike, have the ability to actively share their opinions with the rest of society. The social activism found in music ultimately has created a responsibility among musicians that blurs with the role of American politicians. The government is supposed to implement policies that address social and economic issues, but change has become difficult for politicians to achieve, and it has upset many Americans. Musicians are bringing attention to many social issues, and potentially will have the ability to create more change than politicians by decreasing anger and resentment.
ReplyDeleteI personally love this post. I also think politicians gain a lot of support from musicians of all genres. The image of a rapper next to a man running for president, Bernie Sanders, makes me laugh, but also keeps me grounded. I wrote a post previously about presidents and stereotypes that are associated with them, and I think Bernie Sanders defies most of those assumptions -- this post is proof. Bernie has expressed on multiple occasions his displeasure with police brutality. I also enjoy how this post portrays Killer Mike as an educated black male, a common misconception in most political endorsements. This is not a political stunt, but merely two men who share similar values and similar logic on matters that extend much past the realm of race in America.
ReplyDeleteI personally love this post. I also think politicians gain a lot of support from musicians of all genres. The image of a rapper next to a man running for president, Bernie Sanders, makes me laugh, but also keeps me grounded. I wrote a post previously about presidents and stereotypes that are associated with them, and I think Bernie Sanders defies most of those assumptions -- this post is proof. Bernie has expressed on multiple occasions his displeasure with police brutality. I also enjoy how this post portrays Killer Mike as an educated black male, a common misconception in most political endorsements. This is not a political stunt, but merely two men who share similar values and similar logic on matters that extend much past the realm of race in America.
ReplyDeleteMusicians getting involved like this is good to see not just for the sake of the candidate or the endorser, but for the fans of music who may not be involved in politics. A lot of the younger generation is disgusted by politics and what Washington has become, and seeing one of it's favorite rappers next to a presidential candidate can broaden horizons and hopefully encourage more and more younger people to include themselves in the political conversation.
ReplyDelete