10 Times Rappers Got Political

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Monday found Killer Mike penning a moving op-ed on Martin Luther King Jr.’s revolutionary legacy for OkayPlayer.com. Anyone who is a fan of Killer Mike knows he’s not shy to take a political stance. But Mike is also not alone.

photo: WENN

There’s a pretty well documented history of rappers taking stances on everything from gun control laws to women’s reproductive rights. And some of the commentary comes from unexpected places. Check out these 10 times rappers got political and see if your favorite rhyme slinger is represented.

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J Cole: Ferguson, Missouri

Cole was on the ground in Ferguson, Missouri during peaceful protests in the wake of the Michael Brown shooting. Cole told Complex he came to Ferguson to “feel it” and “be part of history.” He also recorded the song “Be Free” to address the issue.

photo: WENN

Andre 3K: Voting Rights

Dre rhymed about his disdain for partisan politics on OutKast’s 1994 single, “Git Up, Git Out,” but by 2004 he had changed his tune and aligned himself with the Norman Lear Center’s “Declare Yourself” campaign.

Jay Z: Criminal Justice Reform

In December of 2014, Jay Z turned heads when he secured a meeting with New York Governor Andrew Cuomo to discuss criminal justice reform and the potential of special prosecutor appointments in the wake of Eric Garner’s choking death.

photo: WENN

Big Boi: Capital Punishment

In 2011 both Big Boi and Killer Mike were part of a large group present in Jackson, Georgia to rally in support of granting clemency for Troy Davis. Despite a lack of physical evidence and inconsistent witness testimony, Davis was convicted of killing off-duty police officer Mark MacPhall and executed in September of 2011.

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Master P & David Banner: Censorship

David Banner and Master P gave differing viewpoints when they were among a dozen of so music industry insiders to be called to Congress in a hearing by the House Energy and Commerce subcommittee.

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2 Live Crew: Free Speech

Miami rap group 2 Live Crew made the history books when Campbell v. Acuff-Rose made it all the way to the Supreme Court. The ruling in favor of Uncle Luke set a precedent for commercial parody without permission that is still cited today.

Lil B: Women’s Reproductive Rights

When Wendy Davis went on a 2013 filibuster to lobby for women’s right to choose, Lil B initially weighed in telling Davis, “Stay based and positive.” But the Based God took it one step further and penned an op-ed for Rolling Stone magazine.

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DJ Kool Herc: Healthcare Reform

In 2011, a lack of health care insurance made for a painful and expensive experience for DJ Kool Herc. But the Hip-Hop pioneer used the opportunity as a platform, and told MTV News, “I see this situation as another quest for me to shine light on a sensitive issue for the community.
Ice-T: Gun Control

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Ice-T: Gun Control

Ice-T has been a staunch defender of the right to bear arms. “The right to bear arms is because it’s the last defense against tyranny, not to hunt,” Ice-T explained to Channel 4 London’s Krishnan Guru-Murthy. “The United States is based on guns.”

photo: WENN

Killer Mike: Voting Rights

In footage that has since been lost, Killer Mike brought cameras with him during the 2012 midterm elections. Mike cast his vote at Berean Seventh Day Adventist Church in Adamsville, Georgia.