12 of the Best Political Voices in Hip-Hop
There's a potent strain of leftist politics woven into the history of rap and hip hop, and these artists have been pushing it harder than ever in recent years.
A scene from Childish Gambino’s “This Is America” music video.
With all the negative attention that Kanye West has been earning for himself in recent days...and months...and years, it's important to remember that he is a political outlier.
The vast majority of the time when rappers involve themselves in politics, they do not align themselves with figures like Donald Trump. There is a long tradition of hip hop artists using their platforms to call attention to important social movements and endorse liberatory left-wing politics.
These 12 artists are some of the most significant voices in hip hop and politics who have made serious efforts to spread important messages, and in some cases have done a lot more than that.
Cardi B
Political Lyrics: Went from makin' tuna sandwiches to makin' the news / I started speakin' my mind and tripled my views —"Get Up 10"
Cardi B is another rapper who became heavily involved in promoting Bernie Sanders' presidential campaign in 2020. While her lyrics generally have more to do with sex, money, and putting haters in their place, her social media presence has become highly political.
Along with her love for "Daddy Bernie," she has criticized Donald Trump's pandemic response, spoken out about police killings, and pushed Joe Biden to support Medicare For All. Her off the cuff, often vulgar approach to political speech is engaging and relatable. She has already endorsed fellow Bronx native Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for president in 2024 (not that AOC has said anything about running).
Also, watching conservatives freak out about "WAP" has been a joy.
Now if Kanye would just follow these examples, and go back to developing his YZY shelters for the homeless and criticizing presidents for their racist mishandling of major disasters, and stop (literally) demonizing vaccines and Planned Parenthood—and especially stop running interference for the Trump campaign—he could easily earn a spot on this list.
- Six best lines from Eminem's freestyle on Donald Trump - Popdust ›
- Killer Mike Was Right to Meet With Brian Kemp - Popdust ›
- 11 Great Political Rap Songs - Popdust ›
- Hip-Hop Hit an All-Time Low in 2020 - Popdust ›
- 11 Great Political Rap Songs - Popdust ›
