ABSTRACT
“Politics” is a word with many different connotations. When most people think of politics, they think of government, a formal structure in which those in power make and enforce laws. But the term “politics” can also refer to less formal power relations that we encounter in our daily lives—“office politics,” for instance. A theme that runs throughout this chapter is the ways in which race is politicized. Since its inception, hip hop has always engaged with politics, both formally and informally. Rappers have championed one political candidate over another, critiqued systems and institutions, or provided a voice to those otherwise voiceless. Government and media have attacked rap music, accused it of promoting violence and drug use, shut down concerts, and toughened copyright laws in response to concerns about sampling. Despite this, hip hop remains a powerful organizing force in the community, as seen in the words and actions of a new generation of artists and activists.
