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Stars And Stripes: 5 Rappers Who Could Run The White House

July 1, 2015 - 1:40 pm by Diamond Hillyer

Trump wouldn't stand a chance against these hip-hop generals.

With the 2016 presidential election fast approaching, America's options are looking rather limited. We’ve bore witness to right-wing candidates, such as Donald Trump, Democratic contenders like Bernie Sanders, and, for the first, time, a woman putting in her bid a la Hillary Clinton but what if hip-hop's finest took over?

Conscious rap leaders have set off alarms to wake this generation up since the times of N.W.A. These days, sitting through Kendrick Lamar's To Pimp A Butterfly or watch the visual for J. Cole's "G.O.M.D." is enough to spark political conversation. With all the immigration policies, healthcare debates and foreign debt drawing question marks for current candidates, hip-hop has been taking a stand on crucial issues with only a pen and a mic.

Before the next election rolls around, VIBE whipped up an imaginary ballot for hip-hop POTUS with five conscious MCs we’d crown Leader Of The New World. Sorry, Waka.—Diamond Hillyer

NAS

Since his 1994 debut Illmatic, Nas' voice has resonated beyond his native Queensbridge. With the internationally-released single “I Can,” which invoked motivation and inspiration for the underprivileged, started a wave of positive rap lyrics to influence the youth.

Aside from using his bars to spread awareness on social injustice, the rapper dove head first into political circles with appearances on CNN segments like “Race and Justice in America II.” Nas even joined the Millions March in NYC last December.

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YASIIN BEY (MOS DEF)
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YASIIN BEY (MOS DEF)

2000 saw Yasiin Bey’s golden year for social awareness. The Brooklyn-bred rapper and activist dedicated an entire concert and album to anti-police brutality. After the murder of unarmed Amadou Diallo by New York cops, Mos Def released the Hip-Hop for Respect EP with Talib Kweli, delivering eight tracks amplifying social consciousness for the world.  The MC also shone light on unfair treatment of Muslims in America, appearing on HBO political talk show Real Time With Bill Maher to discuss the exploitation of Islam through 9/11.   
TALIB KWELI
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TALIB KWELI

This 20-year hip-hop vet headlined a panel event titled in March to respond to the ongoing cases of police brutality and black lives. Talib said he felt he owed the communities who support his music a platform to discuss the issues affecting them.    And when it comes to putting his money where his mouth is, he came through by donating over $100,000 to Ferguson protestors in grant money during the demonstrations after Mike Brown’s death. Most recently, he was one of few industry members who spoke on Rachel Dolezal’s “trans-racial” stunt as well. Long story short: Talib has never slept on the issues, so we won’t have to worry about him staying woke in the White House.
J. COLE
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J. COLE

Though he doesn’t quite meet the age requirements, Cole possesses the potential qualities of a future world leader. Jermaine Cole has made bold statements, not only through his music, but by his participation in justice protests and race issues, as well. Lending his voice to racial plights through bars, the Roc Nation prodigy released a tribute to slain Ferguson man, Michael Brown, on "Be Free." He also takes care of those who may be in dire straits. In honor of his 2014 Forest Hills Drive album, the Carolina native moved to offer his former home to single mothers rent-free. For his upcoming third annual Dollar and a Dream tour, he charges fans a dollar to attend.
DR. DRE
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DR. DRE

Hip-hop’s first billionaire might tip glasses with the Republican side of the political party but Dr. Dre has spent most of his fortune donating to his West coast hometown through education. Alongside Jimmy Iovine, he donated $70 million to the University of Southern California, described by Elite Daily as the “largest gift by a black man to any college or university in the country.”     During his gangsta rap days with N.W.A., the former Death Row Records co-founder produced and collaborated on several tracks that spoke to police brutality. Though controversial hits such as "F**k Tha Police" might be too explicit for the White House, it didn’t stop Compton’s mayor Aja Brown from offering him a key to the city. 
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