Hey John, WOW. I knew the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop was going to be big -- but this is crazy.
Lemme be real with you for a minute: I didn't grow up with a father. When I discovered Hip Hop, many of the artists were like father figures to me. Their music raised me. They gave me the intellectual, social, and political blueprint that I lived by as a kid then, and as a father, educator, and Congressman now. And keep in mind, this was the golden age of Hip Hop. I'm talking about Eric B. & Rakim and KRS-One and Big Daddy Kane and X Clan and so many others -- all of them putting consciousness and social justice front and center in their music. My #1? Public Enemy. Their entire aesthetic, but specifically "It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back," was foundational to the person I am today. They are why I ran for Congress and why I serve the people in the way that I do.
I said it before and I'll say it again: This album set the course of my life. So where are we at after 50 years of Hip Hop? Mainstream news outlets were publishing stories all week FINALLY recognizing Hip Hop's political impact. All types of people have been praising the art across the whole country and across the whole world. And here in New York, we were honored to host all the GOATs at Yankee Stadium to celebrate Hip Hop's 50th the only way we know how!! And back to Public Enemy for a sec. As part of the celebration, I went to the Universal Hip Hop Museum -- and guess who I got to meet.
Me with Public Enemy. Are you kidding me?! THIS is what I'm saying. Our movement -- grounded in peace and love and consciousness and art and COMMUNITY -- is influencing the entire world. I'm bringing that energy right into Congress. If you're with me, support our movement today:
This whole experience was a blessing. Let's keep celebrating life -- and Hip Hop 50! Peace and love, Jamaal
Rapping along with SNOOP DOGG at Hip Hop 50 in Yankee Stadium!  |
