In the realm of politics, it’s not uncommon for politicians to turn to hip-hop to appeal to Black voters, a demographic deeply affected by the controversial 1994 crime bill. In the 2016 election, Hillary Clinton made attempts to connect with Black voters by engaging in trendy dances like the “dab” and participating in viral challenges like the “Mannequin Challenge.” However, her efforts to secure votes were deemed insincere and only contributed to her eventual defeat in the election. Rather than focusing on key swing states like the Rust Belt, which former President Barack Obama had won, Clinton resorted to superficial gestures like mentioning carrying hot sauce in her bag on The Breakfast Club.
While Hillary Clinton may have been dubbed as the Ken Griffey Jr. of political pandering, Kamala Harris is now stepping into the spotlight as the Barry Bonds of pandering. Harris, being a Black woman, faces additional scrutiny when it comes to her connections with hip-hop culture. During her 2020 campaign, Harris faced backlash over an incident where she claimed to have listened to Snoop Dogg and 2Pac in college, leading to further mistrust among the Black community towards her cultural authenticity.
The trend of politicians using hip-hop to appeal to voters is not exclusive to Democrats. In the current election cycle, President Donald Trump has also been actively engaging with hip-hop artists, particularly those from the street rap scene. Trump’s efforts to align himself with rising artists like Sheff G, Sleepy Hallow, Peezy, Icewear Vezzo, and OT7 Quanny reflect his strategy to connect with a demographic that may not typically align with his political views. Trump’s brash, outspoken personality resonates with the bold and unfiltered nature of hip-hop artists, making him a compelling figure within the industry.
The intersection of hip-hop and politics underscores a complex relationship between cultural identity and political pandering. While hip-hop embodies a sense of authenticity and defiance, politicians often struggle to genuinely connect with the community they seek to appeal to. Kamala Harris’s background as a former district attorney, known for increasing conviction rates, stands in stark contrast to the ethos of artists like Kendrick Lamar, who champion a more progressive and socially conscious message. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the clash between authenticity and pandering remains a central theme in the interaction between hip-hop and politics.