Hip-hop speaks up

CHRIS JONES GUEST WRITER CBJ722@ CABRINI.EDU

Hip-hop’s slogan “Vote or Die” has taken America’s youth to a while new level. Gearing the campaign toward youth, voting seems to be the number one focus of rap stars. With continuous ads and appearances, it seems that voters ages 18–24 will play a major impact on who wins this years presidential election. With appearances at hip-hop summits and other functions, artists like P. Diddy, Wyclef Jean and Eminem stress the fact of how important it is to vote.

For once, hip-hop can be blamed for something good. It’s not the “devil’s music” or “gangsta,” but it’s a voice. It’s a sound that reaches millions of people, tops the music charts and plays an influential role in America’s future.

What better way of hearing that you need to vote than from your future artist. Not only are they encouraging and telling people they need to vote, but they are making sure our generation can vote.

Hip-hop station Hot 97 sent interns out all over New York City registering people who needed to be. After going out for about a month strait, the result was at least 200 people were registered each day. Having that ability to vote should be taken advantage of.

Showing up at the Democratic convention and other political events displays a tremendous growth in the hiphop community. We are doing better things and are more aware of the world we live in. The state of hip-hop has become more global and politically conscious by educating listeners and explaining the need to vote.

Not saying that recognition needs to be shown, but if something positive is going on, the media and other political figures should commend it. I usually see all the negative mishaps of hiphop on the news or in the papers but never anything good. Hiphop has a voice and positive messages are sent through lyrics as well. people voting, the candidates will be compelled to settle the issues of post-college debt and unemployment, ultimately reforming of the health care system.

Predicting the amount of voter participations this year, I think the youth’s statistics will only increase. If this is true, I feel hip-hop should become a lot more involved in our countries future. After all, you relate to what they like and the common characteristics they share.

I know for a fact that hip-hop has made me want to exercise my voting rights. Seeing artists on MTV and BET made me want to be involved. I pay more attention to the news, the political standpoints of each candidate and even the commercial ads they have slandering one another All of that is helping me make my decision, and I blame it all on hip-hops.

Thank you hip-hop for being my voice. Thank you for becoming my inspiration. Thank you for being involved in politics and thank you for wanting to change my life. “Vote or Die” youth!

Do you want to vote now?

As a member of The Loquitur staff, free expression is vital and is surely important to all of you regardless of whether you are pursuing a career in radio, public relations, education or business management. Our free expression has been imposed upon and is nearly nonexistent as young men, many of whom have been killed, fight for freedom in Iraq. What freedom are they fighting for?

Free expression has become a precarious proposition as television shows have been canceled for inappropriate language or nudity and radio shows have been f ined. Fines for repeated inappropriate scenes or words have reached $500,000! Is this free expression? The president has taken advantage of willing young people and has kept them, in Iraq to fight for freedom when within the borders of the United States, freedom of expression is already dead. Will you vote for a candidate who will give our speech and art the freedom they once had?

What are you waiting for?

Pennsylvania’s registration deadline is Oct. 4, 2004. If driving home to register is your excuse not to vote, think again. You are legally allowed to vote wherever you are living. If you consider Radnor, Pa. to be your home, you can register to vote in the state of Pennsylvania.

You are as important to presidential elections as your parents and grandparents; you just have not proven it yet. This election is a chance for your voice to be heard; not just heard but loud and clear.

What are you waiting for?

Get out and vote on Election Day. Your vote does make a difference.

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