Rappers rally for Georgia Democrats ahead of high-stakes Senate runoffs

ABC News / Disney ^ | January 5, 2021 | By Deena Zaru

[Oldeconomybuyer]

Following President-elect Joe Biden's 2020 win against President Donald Trump, many hip-hop artists are turning their focus to the high-stakes Georgia Senate runoffs, where Democrats are running to unseat two Republican incumbent senators.

Communities of color in Atlanta and the surrounding areas were key to Biden’s narrow win against Trump in the Peach State, where the Black vote is especially powerful, hip-hop artists are hoping to boost turnout and deliver another win for Democrats.

Hip-hop stars from all over the country have participated in virtual or in-person events in Georgia to get out the vote. Recently, artists like Common, BRS Kash, Moneybagg Yo, Tokyo Jetz and J.I.D. performed at rallies and concerts featuring Ossoff and Warnock.

And on Sunday, former first lady Michelle Obama’s non-profit When We All Vote hosted a drive-in concert featuring artists like Rick Ross, Common, Jeezy, Monica and DJ Drama. Ross, a Florida rapper who is prominent in the Southern rap scene, also performed at a "Joy to the Polls" pop-up concert Dec. 29 in Atlanta.

“Hip-hop artists in Atlanta have always had this pull on the people, always had a connection to the people and always represented the voice for the people, and I think that is just hip-hop in general,” Bonnette-Bailey said. But she added that local stars like Killer Mike and T.I., who have deep roots in the community and a history of political activism, have a “unique” connection with the people because their efforts are viewed as “authentic.”

In an effort to boost voter turnout in the runoffs, Atlanta rapper 2 Chainz announced to fans that he is giving away a Tesla -- a luxury electric car -- to a Georgia voter who requests a mail-in-ballot or pledges to vote.

[utax]

Can’t have crap without rap.