“I really do believe we as hip-hop artists pick up what’s going on in the world and try to reflect that,” he told CNN, outlining his belief that mainstream as well as so-called “conscious” rappers — the more socially aware — will pick up on what he sees as the more optimistic prospects of an Obama presidency. “I think hip-hop artists will have no choice but to talk about different things and more positive things, and try to bring a brighter side to that because, even before Barack, I think people had been tired of hearing the same thing,” he said. CNN.com
This will be a much needed and appreciated change in hip-hop. I think as the world and the country evolves, so should hip-hop. And with Common being a rapper who really has something to say, I think we can at least pay close attention to see what happens.
Filed under: Barack Obama, Common, hip-hop, rap music