Rep. Trey Radel - The rapping Congressman.
Let me be clear that I really don't hold anything against anyone for what music they listen to.
However, I think Rep. Trey Radel (FL-19) is an example of someone who I just don't understand.
I think it's great that Congressman Radel has an appreciation for hip-hop but let's be frank here: Hip-hop hasn't typically been about issues on government. It's been about issues on social justice. On the other hand, those who know hip-hop well knew it never started from 2pac, Ice Cube or Run DMC nor did it have gangsta rap origins. It started with DJ Kool Herc back in the 1970's, followed by Grandmaster Flash.
Also, Radel's idea that Public Enemy's "Fight the Power" reflects the conservative message of "heavy-handed" government is really preposterous. The music video and lyrics have absolutely NOTHING to do with government or even "conservatism."
Excerpt of lyrics:
http://www.lyricsdepot.com/...
Elvis was a hero to most
But he never meant ---- to me you see
Straight up racist that sucker was
Simple and plain
Mother---- him and John Wayne
Cause I'm Black and I'm proud
I'm ready and hyped plus I'm amped
Most of my heroes don't appear on no stamps
Sample a look back you look and find
Nothing but rednecks for 400 years if you check
Don't worry be happy
Was a number one jam
Damn if I say it you can slap me right here
(Get it) lets get this party started right
Right on, c'mon
What we got to say
Power to the people no delay
To make everybody see
In order to fight the powers that be
Yeah, none of these lyrics have anything to do with government. I tried very hard to figure out any correlation with the "conservative message," but got headaches instead.
Furthermore, I understand Trey Radel has a background in media relations so maybe he might have listened to hip-hop along the way but he just doesn't understand it. Radel also shouldn't be left off the hook because he's still got some explaining to do with views on the gun control issue: