Political Hip-Hop Lingo

I recently saw an interview with Barack Obama on BET. The portion I saw started off asking Obama what hip-hop artists he listened to. He mentioned Jay-Z and some other notable musicians, but noted he was more of an “old school” guy that mostly had Marvin Gaye and Earth, Wind and Fire style songs on his iPod. What got me so interested in this interview was the conversation that followed.

Obama, being the politician that he is, turned the conversation to social issues as all politicians do, rarely answering a question directly. He made valid points about some hip-hop music being derogatory towards women and speaking to negative aspects of society. He continued by saying he would like the artists to focus their songs more on the positive aspects of community in an effort to inspire their listeners.

What got me was the lingo he kept “dropping” during his answers. Anytime a politician tries to keep it real, they always come off sounding so lame. I know most of the country truly believes Obama is a black guy, but I am not so sure. Even dorky black dudes can use words like “real” and “down” when talking about cultural influences like hip-hop and not sound like your father trying to be a bigger part of your life. You could tell Obama was not comfortable talking like this and that only comes from not ever being a part of that lifestyle. I am sure he never listened to any hip-hop until he began his campaign and had to get in touch with his black roots.

But then I got to thinking…how would Hillary Clinton or John McCain answer the same questions? “Mrs. Clinton, which hip-hop artist has influenced your life the most?” I imagine she squirms a little bit before answering, “Well, I think they are all great, but I think Fitty’s trials and tribulations have shined the most light on me, showing me what it takes to persevere in today’s society.” Okay, maybe she could sound worse than Obama.

How about McCain? I think this line of questioning could catch him so off guard, his mind may collapse in on itself trapping his consciousness in his POW hell camp memories, forcing him to run the country with a solid focus of revenge against all asian countries. Little bit scary.

Clinton and McCain are two pretty damn white people and I do not see how they are going to be able to reach out to their non-white constituents. I don’t think I would be very good at it either, but I am not trying to run the country.

Also, HAPPY BIRTHDAY CORIE! I love you!