Posted July 23, 2008 by gingerlynn 5 comments

Raptavism and Politricks: Nas, Kanye, N.E.R.D. & Wyclef

On the tails of his #1 album release Untitled, and straight outta his lyrical notebook, Nas takes his anti-Fox campaign to the streets. Joining forces with ColorOfChange.org and MoveOn.org, Nas protested FOX media today in New York City to stop the “pattern of racist attacks against Black Americans”, specifically Barack and Michelle Obama. Nas said: “FOX poisons the country with racist propaganda and tries to call it news.” Read more after the jump, including Kanye‘s activism and Ye, N.E.R.D. and Wyclef‘s political support.

Other rappers are getting involved with causes that are important to them as well. Kanye West, for one, is slated to debut a new documentary with MTV titled Choose or Lose & Kanye West Present: Homecoming where Ye and MTV’s Sway will visit homes of recently returned Iraq war vets, present them with a gift to help them resume normal life (such as paying their school tuition or rent), and listen to their stories.

Additionally, Kanye, along with N.E.R.D. and Wyclef Jean, are getting political as they have been selected to perform at the ’08 Democratic Convention in Denver, in support of Sen. Barack Obama. Ye is said to be locking down a deal to perform for Bono’s One Campaign and the RIAA. N.E.R.D. and Wyclef will set it off at a Rock The Vote event. What can we take away from all of this? Get involved!

Related:
• Video: Nas “Sly Fox”

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Comments

Novablak

The tide of socially active artist has cycled back around from the 60s through to early 90s. The change is happening amongst artists to engage their populations through their platforms. It refreshing to more heroes stepping up for a cause…
tee_shirtking

They say history always repeats itself…I was getting a lil’ worried about black history screwing that up. But it looks as if we’re back on track, and I can dig it.
nasir’s a legend

yeah, he’s got an album to promote, but it’s great to see these artists taking some action on the things they speak on record.
lynx765

I agree, its time that our celebs use that attraction for good…very reminiscent of the 60s with Ali, Ray Charles and other stars not compromising “success” for thier freedom and thier peoples freedom.
RaAkhenaton

I’m just pleased as punch (love to my Grams for that one–miss you) that these guys are using their public identity power to push something stronger than empty complaints and a line or two in a verse to give that “impacting” feel. I’m notoriously critical of celebrity and politics, but I can respect artists who decided to use their pop appeal to raise awareness within their fan-base.