As a huge fan of both Lupe and Rhymefest, I was all over the exchange when it popped up on the hip hop sites yesterday. I won't say who I think made the better argument...because that might say something about who I'm voting for, right?...but I will say that this one conversation did more for the hip hop community's political awareness around the 2008 elections than any "conscious" rap album, contrived MTV/BET programming or televised candidate debate has to date. The conversation was relevant, timely, impassioned, honest- and what I hope and believe that hip hop fans are actually discussing at home.
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Some Hip Hop Stars Are About More Than Just Bling : Lupe Fiasco & Rhymefest on Hilary and Obama
Obama or Hilary, which would say more for American progress? Its a question that people have been throwing around for a long time including two of the greatest MCs of the time - Lupe Fiasco and Rhymefest.
Their debate has been recapped nicely for us thanks to Pitchfork Media. It starts out with Lupe stating that he backs Hilary because of what he believes to be Obama's plans to "bomb Iran" and Rhymefest sets the record straight from there.
It then goes on to discuss the merits and value for progress in America that having either a female or black male president would have.
From there we see that Lupe isn't just another "angry minority" when he states his lack of belief in the American political and electoral process.
Their debate also gives those who may not be in the know a nice insight into the actual living that went behind the rhymes that come blastin' out of our iPods.
Regardless of who wins and what the outcome of their victory may mean for American history, its nice to dispel the myth that Hip Hop artists only talk about the number of ringtones they've sold and their collection of Louis Vuitton.
So, who made the better argument? What can be taken from their debate? Can either candidate's nomination or possibly impending presidency really change anything? DISCUSS.
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