Donald J. Trump has a storied history within the world of hip-hop, dating back to the 1990s when he symbolized opulence, confidence, and the epitome of capitalism. Many rappers viewed him as an icon to aspire to, mingling with influential figures like Diddy and Russell Simmons, and even getting name-dropped in classic rap songs such as Raekwon’s “Incarcerated Scarfaces” and Nelly’s “Country Grammar.” However, his entrance into the political arena in 2015 as a controversial presidential candidate, advocating for policies like a ban on Muslims and the construction of a border wall, changed the dynamic.
Despite the polarizing nature of his political career, Trump found support from some unexpected corners of the hip-hop community, notably Kanye West, who famously visited him in New York City shortly after his election victory to discuss various issues. As time went on, more rappers began to publicly align themselves with Trump, including names like Lil Wayne, Kodak Black, and Lil Pump leading up to the 2020 election. Surprisingly, this move paid off for Wayne and Black, as they were both granted pardons as Trump’s presidency came to an end in 2021.
Fast forward to 2024, and Trump has managed to cultivate a stronger following among rappers than any other presidential candidate since Barack Obama in 2008. What’s intriguing is the profile of the rappers endorsing Trump this time around – they may not be A-list superstars, but they hold significant influence within the hip-hop community. This coincides with Trump seeing a rise in support from black male voters, particularly due to his stance on immigration and economic issues.
Trump’s appeal within the hip-hop world can be attributed to his anti-establishment image, which resonates with the ethos of hip-hop culture. Additionally, a growing dissatisfaction with Joe Biden, who recently withdrew from the 2024 presidential race, has bolstered Trump’s standing. He also has received credit for issuing stimulus checks in 2020 to address the economic impact of COVID-19, although this move inadvertently contributed to rising inflation.
As the 2024 election season heats up, a notable list of rappers and hip-hop influencers have thrown their support behind Trump, signaling a potentially significant shift in the intersection of politics and music.