Former President Obama’s preference for Kendrick Lamar over Drake in a rap battle back in 2016 sparked a trend of rappers having an informal platform in politics. Fast forward to 2024, and the rap community’s support is divided between President Biden and former President Donald Trump.
Notable rap artists like Quavo of the “Migos” joined Vice President Kamala Harris in Atlanta for a summit on gun violence prevention, while Detroit rapper Sada Baby was seen encouraging people to vote for Trump outside a church in Detroit. Rappers supporting Trump cite reasons such as his handling of COVID-19 stimulus checks, the Payment Protection Program, and his pardons of fellow rappers like Lil Wayne and Kodak Black.
Despite Trump’s efforts to court support from rappers, including appearances from artists like Sheff G and Sleepy Hallow at his rallies, the impact on Black and younger voters remains uncertain. While Trump won 8% of Black support in 2016 and 12% in 2020, the majority of Black and younger voters still lean towards Democratic candidates.
On the other side, the Biden campaign has been actively engaging with the rap community, with artists like Fat Joe, Queen Latifah, and Lizzo showing their support. The campaign has invested in voter outreach at music festivals and events, aiming to solidify support among Black and younger voters.
Despite the influence of rappers in politics, experts believe that individual endorsements may not significantly sway the overall election outcome. The diversity of Black voters and their varied political views make it unlikely for a mass shift in support based on rapper endorsements alone. Ultimately, the impact of rappers in politics remains a complex and evolving dynamic in the 2024 election cycle.