Beyoncé’s surprise nod to Ras Baraka, NJ may have more signals than love, which could promote hip-hop mayor’s campaign for governor.
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Something subtle but significant happened on Memorial Day weekend. Beyoncé illuminated New Jersey with another dazzling performance. There is nothing special about it there. She usually brings greatness to the stage every time.
But there is a surprising moment in her scene worth watching. Walk with me. In a segment, Beyoncé displays the powerful spoken language of current Newark Mayor Ras Baraka. Brothers also have some deep hip-hop roots.
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Now, for some, this may have been flying under the radar, but those who know it know it. Before becoming a political force, Ras Baraka was a famous poet and activist to his father’s legendary Amiri Baraka. He brought his poems to stages like Def Poetry Jam. His voice has been with us for a long time.
So, why does Bey Bey play Ras on the show? Is this a creative nod to the culture of the region? Or is it because Baraka seriously bids for the governor of New Jersey seriously, which is a not too subtle recognition? I think this might be both. It is no coincidence that Baraka’s voice is raised in one of the biggest performances on Earth. (Big blink. Blink!)
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His alliance with hip-hop remains unwavering as Baraka moves the gears from Newark mayor to governor hopeful. Over the years, he has brought hip-hop to the heart of Newark as a tool for education, youth participation and social change. He helped establish the hip-hop political convention in the early 2000s, and his administration championed artists rather than shy away from them. Russ never turned around on the street or culturally. He made it part of the solution.
As far as I know, as the game intensifies, some major hip-hop characters gather in the back of the Russ Brothers. There are some fundraising activities on the horizon, and there may be some well-known events. This is not someone who comes from celebrities to participate in politics. He is a man who has been based on community work, activism and cultural significance for decades. Not only was he suddenly arrested.
Let’s keep it real, this is for the opponents. We live in an era of deprived protections, and predatory politicians are trying to bring us back to a darker time. That’s why support for the damn person. Not just the person who speaks, but the action. The people who have gone through this struggle and worked hard to change it.
I’m not here to tell you what to do. I mean – Check Ras Baraka. Check out his records. See how he uses art, hip-hop and public policy to enhance people. Then determine if he is the one worthy of the vote in the next chapter. I already have it.
Here you can click on the link!
https://www.rasforgovernor.com/