Former President Obama made headlines in 2016 when he chose Kendrick Lamar over Drake in a hypothetical rap battle. This decision sparked discussions about the influence of rappers in politics, as they began to express their own preferences for presidential candidates.
Fast forward to 2024, and the landscape has shifted. While many notable rap artists lean towards supporting President Biden, former President Donald Trump has also seen a resurgence in support among younger rappers. This was evident recently when Vice President Kamala Harris joined rapper Quavo of the Migos in Atlanta for a summit on gun violence prevention, while Detroit rapper Sada Baby was seen encouraging people to vote for Trump outside a church in Detroit.
The support for Trump from rappers is not limited to those with regional followings; some are even charting on Billboard. These artists cite various reasons for their backing of Trump, including his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, economic stimulus programs, and pardons of fellow rappers. In 2020, Trump famously pardoned Lil Wayne and Kodak Black, who are now part of the “Black Americans for Trump” coalition.
Rappers like Sheff G and Sleepy Hallow from New York City have also shown their support for Trump by speaking at his campaign events. Despite facing legal troubles, these artists are vocal about their admiration for the former president. Similarly, Sada Baby, known for his hit single “Whole Lotta Choppas,” joined other Detroit rappers in attending Trump’s roundtable with local Black community leaders.
These rappers express a desire for their votes to be earned rather than blindly given to a political party. They appreciate Trump’s efforts in criminal justice reform and economic policies, particularly the stimulus checks distributed during the pandemic. Their support for Trump has created a divide within the rap community, with some artists like Sexyy Red and Icewear Vezzo openly endorsing the former president.
Trump’s engagement with rappers has been criticized by the Biden campaign, with spokesperson Sarafina Chitika highlighting the president’s history of disrespect towards Black communities. However, Trump’s efforts to connect with these artists are described as “completely organic” by Janiyah Thomas, the Trump campaign’s Black media director.
While Trump’s support from rappers may not translate into significant electoral gains, it has certainly sparked conversations about the intersection of music and politics. The Biden campaign, on the other hand, has been actively engaging with artists and musicians to secure their endorsements and reach their audiences.
The upcoming Essence Festival of Culture and BET Awards will be key platforms for the Biden campaign to connect with Black voters and musicians. Artists like Fat Joe, Queen Latifah, and Lizzo have already shown their support for Biden through various events and performances.
Despite Trump’s popularity among some rappers, political strategists and experts doubt that their endorsements will sway the election significantly. Black voters are not a monolithic group, and their voting decisions are influenced by a variety of factors beyond celebrity endorsements.
As the 2024 election approaches, the role of rappers in politics continues to evolve. While some artists remain undecided or critical of both candidates, others are actively engaging in the political process and using their platforms to advocate for change. The intersection of music and politics remains a dynamic and evolving aspect of American culture.
