Rap star Nas greeted some 900 people at Hampton University's Convocation Center on Sunday as part of a rally and registration event hosted by the Barack Obama campaign. The rapper is a sometimes controversial figure but is nonetheless considered one of hip-hop's most respected and politically minded figures.
Not that that means he's always been interested in politics, mind you.
"I have never voted before," the rapper said before addressing the crowd. He is 35 years old. The son of a jazz musician, Nas grew up in the housing projects of Queens, N.Y., and his opinions reflect the approach that rappers have historically taken toward voting and politics, which is to say none.
"I've never seen a reason to vote. I would speak out against voting. If you'd seen what happened in my community, it's a shame. People in jail, guns, drugs ... I always felt like there were thing happenings in my community that would have never been allowed to happen in other communities. There was no help. But now, it's a new day."
As a crowd formed waiting for Nas to address them, DJ Babey Drew, himself a Hampton grad, spun records. Students did dance routines, and some fraternities did short-step show routines. There were 13 registration tables set up in the lobby of the Convocation Center, the majority of them going unused.
"I think (Hampton) students have pretty much made up their minds," said 19-year-old sophomore Kiara Smith. She said she did not know anyone among her circle of friends who was not voting, and not voting for Obama. "Oh, wait, there was one guy," she corrected herself. He said he was not voting because everyone else was and therefore he didn't need to, which Smith said was dumb. "And there was one other girl, but we made her register."
Nas was preaching to an already enthused choir, said Matthew White, a 23-year-old graduate of the school. "A lot of them, it's their first election. When I was a sophomore, it wasn't like this -- it was just like, 'Get Bush out.' But now they're bringing celebrities," he said, referring to a similar visit by the actors Marlon Wayans and Jurnee Smollett just weeks ago, "and merchandising it to younger voters. These are 90s babies, and Nas is somebody they grew up with."
News about the event spread through fliers, word of mouth and Hampton students for Obama on the social networking site Facebook. Word spread off campus, too, bringing out a crowd that seemed almost split down the middle by gender.
White noted that black men have often been underrepresented in the electoral process -- when he went home to Ohio in 2004 he was told that he was the first to vote all day -- but things have definitely changed. He also didn't know anyone that wasn't registered. Even visitors to the campus who just really came to see Nas were on board.
"I'm here for Nas, you know, and the Barack thing is something special," said Tyriq Wolfgang, a 26-year-old whose exceptionally baggy trousers, long white T-shirt and do-rag did not make him look like the typical registered Democrat. But looks can be deceiving. "I voted in the last election, you know, when we got jerked. Most of my friends that are not felons -- it's about half that are and half that are not -- are registered and going to vote. And the people that can't vote are mad about it. I don't know anybody not talking about it."
Nas said the same thing, but when he came to the podium, he said the time for talk was over. "Everyone on the corner, in the barbershop, on the playground is like, 'You think it could really happen?' But they're not realizing it's up to them. This is the time for action."
Nas' music, overall, is a gumbo of uplifting mantras, black history, sex, drugs, youth empowerment and violence. In short, there are many songs, including some he performed Sunday, such as "If I Ruled the World," and "I Can" that are positive, hopeful hymns that wouldn't be out of place at a church picnic. And then there are some that offended some people so much that protests emerged when he was announced to be playing the benefit concert for Virginia Tech students in 2007. (The Dave Matthews Band asked Nas to perform, and he did go on to do the show.)
Nas was careful to draw a distinction between himself and his music.
"I think people will try to use methods to tear us down," he said. "Some people want to make us seem like monsters. But we are humans, we are taxpayers, we are citizens of this country. This is not a concert. This is not even about hip-hop, this is about Nasir Jones, the man. This is my first time voting. This means more to me than any concert."
Of the roughly 900 people that showed, campaign spokesperson Ashley Etienne said, 75 registered. Some volunteers said most people were students re-registering to ensure absentee ballots weren't going to be mishandled. Eighty percent of people that came were already registered.
Nas' most recent album, a harsh critique of America and a scathing self-analysis of black Americans, was originally titled the infamous racial slur; its cover depicts the artist's back whipped like a slave. The title drew fire from many black leaders, including Jeese Jackson, whom Nas has publicly called irrelevant to today's black youth. The title of the album, which sold more than 500,000 copies, was changed to "Untitled" after some stores threatened not to stock it on shelves.
"We are our own role models," he told the crowd. "We have a lot of power. There are no more excuses." He said he felt good standing at a historically black college, and having registered two days ago.
"Right here in Virginia is where they dropped off the first slaves," he said, "and now the state of Virginia could be the place where we elect the first black president."
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Affirms my beleif
I have said many times that it takes the same mindset to vote Obama as it did Bush. Thanks for backing me up.
One common thread between this and the last election is when someone tells me to vote for Bush/Obama I simply ask why I should. The answers were never well thought out or valid. I was suprised not only by Kerry, but the addition of Edwards to the dem ticket. I gritted my teeth and dropped my ballot because I felt Bush had to be stopped. McCain is not more of the same. Obama is the same empty argument though. Team sports and showmanship is all it is.
a president can do more than watching the war in Congress
I left the Veteran thing behind me a long time ago, I voted for Reagan and refused to vote for Veterans McCain in 2000 or Kerry in 2004. Obama's background explains his voting record that proofs he cares about Veterans. A President, for one, can either win or the propaganda war. McDonalds restaurants were not being burned down during Clinton in the Middle East but in France, nor were hateful jokes about 911 victims limited to the Middle East. JFK and Reagan were capable of winning this war with words. A President can speak to individual and shared responsibilities, something Bush Junior refused to do. He told his fellow Americans to go shopping while US soldiers and their families are carrying the burden of war by themselves. Just like Thatcher, a President can address serious issues like cancer and other diseases and how we can fight these wars. True leaders don't come around often.
Anything to get young people thinking and involved....
Let's think about this for a moment. Our young people have typicially felt cut off from politics...they couldn't relate to the politicians who were "representing" them or the issues.
Whatever it is that is getting them excited and involved...be it Obama, Palin, a rapper, a debate, SNL skits...doesn't matter. What does matter is they are getting involved in the process...they are thinking...they are talking...they are asking questions...they are debating...they are going to vote. This is a GOOD thing, because it means that those in Washington are going to have to take notice of their constituents...ALL OF THEM...for a change.
Nicole
Just to let you know, I am white. I am not a registered dem. or rep. It doesn't bother me that Obama is black. What bothers me is NOT making an informed decision. I am still not sure myself. Believe me I know he is the first black candidate, but that as it seems a number of people are looking at doesn't mean he is the best qualified. Let's put the black and the veteran thing behind and look at the person. A president will only be able to do what congress will pass..
You have a lawyer already
Why not ask your closing attorney? They represent you in the closing of the loan. The terms are spelled out so even the most dense people can understand. If you cannot read how much your payment is going to be and the terms that may affect this amount you are not ready to own. Go back to mommy and daddy.
contemporary america
Excellent point, RJS, I forgot. In modern America no one is responsible for his own decisions. There's always someone else to blame.
HIRE A LAWYER TO READ YOUR CONTRACT
I learned a long time ago from my friends in the military to pay a couple of hundred dollars to hire a lawyer to review my mortgage. They got the okidoke years ago. It prevents the issues some of our friends, their elderly parents and their young adult children are going through right now, that requested a 30-year fixed loan from their bank but instead winded up with a 2-year fixed and variable for the remainder because they didn't read the fine print. The affordable mortgage they thought they purchased almost doubled from one month to the next. It seems to me there is a lot more going on then just people living beyond their means.
bstewart, good one
"I guess it will take for you all to lose your homes to foreclosure. Lol at you fools."
I don't have to worry about foreclosure because I didn't buy a house I couldn't afford.
Slavery
Was around a LONG time before Virginia was ever thought about folks. And memory serving me right, the last person to own slaves in the Commonwealth of Va. was a historic Northern Generals wife. Read and learn history from start to present day, not what just makes you feel better.
cumlaude
Websters Dictionary
Main Entry: cum lau·de
Pronunciation: \ku̇m-ˈlau̇-də, -dē; ˌkəm-ˈlȯ-dē\
Function: adverb or adjective
Etymology: New Latin, with praise
Date: 1893
: with distinction — compare magna cum laude , summa cum laude
I just missed you
I just miss you. Remember this?
"What exactly is "cum laude"? I mean, I've heard of "kum lade" but never "cum laude". Did your "cum laude" degree have any kind of english requirement? Your credentials are about as convincing as McCain's plan for the economy. What is that saying about opening your mouth and removing all doubt..."
Your the greatest man! "kum lade"! The logic disconnect about voting before blacks could legally appear at the polls. Please, your hilarious, say something else.
I could never forget you. I hope your not mad at me.
Relevant
It's amazing how some individuals assume to be the authority on what's relevant and what isn't. These same people don't even realize that their tunnel vision prevents them from ever being truly objective... I digress, Nas definitly is a contradiction. Some could argue that his lyrics are a bit hypocritical as Jay-Z pointed out if a few tracks aimed at Nas. Unfortunatly, Obama can't control who endorses him and neither can McCain, otherwise, I'm sure good ol Pat Robertson would've been shunned long ago.
Also, it's logical to assume if one recognizes the names of posters on this board, one may be spending a little too much time here.
clueless is back
I guess the elections held before blacks could vote is really relevent in today's election. Geez. This guy.
A couple of things:
Nas is short for Nasir.
Also, do not disagree w/ him as he is known to beat people in the head with bottles until they broke and continued to cut them w/ the bottle.
What a wonderful person to appear at a university. You have to love that this person is an Obama supporter.
Where are these quotes from?
Nas' music, overall, is a gumbo of uplifting mantras, black history, sex, drugs, youth empowerment and violence.
"We were always playing on the white man's court by the white man's rules, if the principal, or the coach, or a teacher wanted to spit in your face, he could, because he had the power and you didn't. The only thing you could choose was withdrawal into a smaller and smaller coil of rage."
"Pot had helped, and booze; maybe a little blow when you could afford it."
NOT Nas' lyrics,...DIRECT QUOTES from Barack Obama as he wrote them in his book.
They make a good pair huh?
Youth
It' always good when young people get out and vote, regardless of who they're voting for. Liberty University is pushing a voting drive really hard and their student body is pretty much pro-McCain.
I believe the more racist elections would undoubtedly have to be those held prior to minorities being able to run for public office.
Quite the contradiction
"Nas' music, overall, is a gumbo of uplifting mantras, black history, sex, drugs, youth empowerment and violence."
'Nuff said.
This is the most openly racist election I have ever seen in my lifetime. It's discouraging.
Where are these quotes from?
Nas' music, overall, is a gumbo of uplifting mantras, black history, sex, drugs, youth empowerment and violence.
"We were always playing on the white man's court by the white man's rules, if the principal, or the coach, or a teacher wanted to spit in your face, he could, because he had the power and you didn't. The only thing you could choose was withdrawal into a smaller and smaller coil of rage.
"Pot had helped, and booze; maybe a little blow when you could afford it."
NOT Nas' lyrics. Quotes from Obama's book.
They make a good pair huh?
Now reverse that TD1953
"How many of these folks are voting for Obama because of his race?"...Spare me, please...
I could easily ask how many people ARE NOT going to vote for Obama because of his race!! I can tell you there are a whole lot of people out there who are still stuck in the mindframe that a black man will never be good enough to be President. And don't tell me I'm playing the race card...I'm telling the truth.
And quite frankly, who cares if somebody votes for Obama just because he's black?? He's the first black person to be nominated!! Thousands of people are excited, motivated and energized soley because of Barack Obama...so to all you negative folks out there...stop being a hater!!
And get used to calling Barack Mr. President because come Nov 4th, Virginia is going to help elect him!!!
Once again
To all that say black people are only voting because a African-American is running for presidency are pure ignorant. To say "we're doomed!" because you all think people are voting base on color disgust me. People are voting for not only change, but for their future. Middle class Americans are hurting right now, or you don't see it? I know what's really the problem you all are scared of change!!!! None of you have any real reason not to vote for Obama. I guess it will take for you all to lose your homes to foreclosure. Lol at you fools.
such a role model
it is great that someone such as nas, known for singing songs about using drugs, carrying guns, killing people, violence against women, hating whitey, etc is now the new standard bearer and torch carrier for local democrats. combine this with the push to get felons the right to vote, and we may be just gearing up for the new "great society". by the way, nas has produced several cds with very few hits, hardly earning him the title of icon. he is a mediocre rapper at best.
Stumped
"Nas' music, overall, is a gumbo of uplifting mantras, black history, sex, drugs, youth empowerment and violence."
So this is what Obama and his supporters believe in? Look out America!
Rememeber only you can prevent forest fires.
How Many
Of these folks are voting for Obama because of his race. I thought I heard earlier this shouldn't be about race but best qualified. Oh, thats right, never had a reason to vote before. We're in deeper do-do folks.
Pilot Stop Posting These Racist Rants!
I am very surprised by the number of people in Hampton Roads that leaves such racist comments on these blogs. It makes me feel embarrassed to live here. I'm sorry, but you all might as well get over it. "old Virginny" is no longer here. We are changing, as we should, with the times.
Your comment is awaiting moderator approval.
"If I ruled the world, I'd free all my sons (let all the wrong doers out of prison). It'd be black time in the world, if I ruled the world."
PLENTY OF NEW VOTERS IN VIRGINIA
There are plenty of Virginians that never voted. The most popular artists could not convince young people to come out to vote in 2000 or 2004, while Obama broke every record. I voted for Reagan and Bush Senior while stationed overseas and had no reason to vote in 2000 or 2004. This year I do. We need a leader like Reagan and JFK, able to counter the propaganda war without a single weapon fired. Like Bush Senior, capable of making other nations pay their fair share in fighting common security treats. Fellow Republicans like Ron Paul, Hagel, and Leach are refusing to support McCain, Coburn doesn’t, Lugar even allows Obama to use him in his ads, and Webb now serves on the VA committee with Obama passing bills with Hagel and John Warner that were long overdue. What's wrong with McCain? Virginia will go blue this November after 44 years.
Great Obama Endorsement!
"I voted in the last election, you know, when we got jerked. Most of my friends that are not felons -- it's about half that are and half that are not -- are registered and going to vote. And the people that can't vote are mad about it. I don't know anybody not talking about it."
Nas, a cultural hero
Yet another 'celebrity' who believes that race is sufficient qualification for the office of president. We are doomed.
we are our own role models!
not to complimenting is it?
Im assuming that Mr.
Im assuming that Mr. MJBooger didnt actually read the article. Surprise, surprise. I seriously doubt that the "Rebs" (rebels??) got this one. Also, im anxious to hear how a world-renowned poet is a "Mr. Wanna Be Superstar."
Or not!
Not gonna happen mr. wanna be superstar. Rebs got it.