NEWS BRIEF: Atlanta rappers flex their political muscle outside of music

Politics and rap have always gone hand-in-hand. Whether it’s Public Enemy’s “Fight The Power,” Jeezy’s “My President,” or Lil Baby’s “The Bigger Picture,” rap artists have a long legacy of using their songs as vehicles for political action. More and more, rappers are getting involved outside of music, and seeking direct influence. In Atlanta, where the population ins 49% Black, their voices are heard and action taken moreso than in other cities.

Atlanta rap stars Killer Mike and T.I. sat on the transition team of former Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms. The two were not only strong supporters of the city’s current mayor, Andre Dickens, during his campaign bid, but T.I. went as far as to claim Dickens’ opponent, Felicia Moore, wanted to shut down Atlanta strip clubs—a claim Moore denied.

Last May, Killer Mike was joined by fellow rapper 2 Chainz at a city council meeting, speaking against the proposed “nuisance” legislation that would shut down Atlanta businesses with too many instances of gun violence. Killer Mike said, “I’m not here as a rapper who wants his way. I’m here as a small and local businessman saying we can figure out a better way than this punitive display.” politico.com