Will Hip Hop Matter
In NY Elections?
by - Davey D
4/26/01 9:15:25 AM

Will Hip Hop Matter In NY Elections?

Russell Simmons steps up his involvement even more yesterday. He has come out to endorse and help campaign for NY public advocate Mark Green. Russell came out and offered up the introductions for Green who launched his campaign yesterday and promised to 'move beyond' the legacy of Mayor Giuliani. Green promised to cut police abuse while maintaining low crime rates. Green as of now happens to be the favorite in the crowded mayoral race. What's interesting about Simmons endorsement is the fact that it will put him in the opposite camp of a number of Hip Hop pioneers and Bronx based Hip Hoppers who have come out to help Bronx Borough president Fernando Ferrer. Ferrer has definitely stepped up his involvement by issuing a proclamation as well as participating in Hip Hop Appreciation week activities. Simmons promised that NY's next Mayor will be elected by the Hip Hop community. It will be interesting to see if he can bring the Hip Hop audience to Green or if Ferrer will be able to successfully court them. I'm just happy that for once the Hip Hop community may be a factor in New York's next election.

We'll see if these respective candidates step it up a notch by addressing Hip Hop issues like profiling at rap events.. Well also see if they run ads on Hip Hop mediums, like Hot 97, BET, Hip Hop websites and other outlets. It will be interesting to see if these candidates use Hip Hop style tactics like employing street teams and wrapped vehicles. It will also be interesting to see if any of Hip Hop's icons step forth and offer up endorsements. Will KRS stomp for Ferrer or Green? Who will Zulu Nation endorse? What's Rocksteady's pick? How will a Mobb Deep or Jay Z endorsement factor in to NY Mayoral election? Will DJ Clue make a mix tape espousing the virtues of his pick? Will Star and Buckwyld on Hot 97 start clowning all the candidates who they don't like while reserving praise for their pick? Where do progressive cats like Mos Def, dead prez and Talib factor in? Will Conrad Muhammed get an artist to run or will he mobilize cats to put their weight behind a particular candidate? Will some of Hip Hop's Republican icons step up and move the crowd? [yes there are a few-right Pete Nice?] In any case I'm loving the possibilities..

With all the madness that has gone down in the Big Apple this past couple of years-ranging from Diallo to Louima, there is absolutely no excuse for anyone in New York's Hip Hop community to not be involved this upcoming election. Its been suggested that since Hip Hoppers do have a potential strong factor in New York's mayoral race that its no mistake that we have some overt attempts to criminalize the entire community. Will associations with the Hip Hop community result in oppoenents painting a picture of candidates breaking bread with irresponsible thgs, gangstas and criminals? For example, lets say the Zulu Nation decides to come out and support a particular Mayoral candidate, will they be seen as a liability? Lets say they endorse Ferrer.. will his opponents be able to counter by picking up a copy of the NY Daily News and point to the article where they erroneously declared them to be gang? Zulu should sue them and NYPD for tarnishing their name. Them being classified as a gang limits their ability to effective advocates in certain circles. Lets all keep our eyes and ears open.. What do you all think Will New York's Hip Hop community be a factor in the upcoming Mayoral elections?

The following is a true story from famed photographer Ernie Paniccioli. What he experienced the other day is something that many of us who are writers, photographers, studio owner, deejays, promoters etc can relate to..Ernie clearly captures the angst and frustration. If you see yourself in this story,., Please take heed and shape up?

Dave, Please indulge me for a moment. The following rant was induced by a no show by Brother Rahzel: