Luther Campbell, the iconic voice of 2 Live Crew, is trading the recording studio for the campaign trail. The rapper, known to a generation as “Uncle Luke,” for Florida’s 20th Congressional District, setting the stage for a potentially disruptive primary challenge against incumbent Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick. This move isn’t an anomaly; it’s part of a growing trend of hip-hop artists leveraging their platforms and influence to engage directly in the political process.
Campbell, , intends to focus his campaign on bringing resources back to the district, which encompasses portions of Palm Beach and Broward counties. He expressed dissatisfaction with the current representation, stating that the district is “very underserved” and that people “want to be able to engage with their congressperson.” He framed his decision to run as a direct response to perceived shortcomings in Cherfilus-McCormick’s performance, suggesting he entered the race because she wasn’t adequately addressing the needs of the community.
“I looked at the race and I said if the congresswoman was doing her job, then I wouldn’t get in the race. That’s not my thing,” Campbell said, according to reports from the Sun-Sentinel. He has already resigned from his position as football coach at Miami Edison High School to dedicate himself fully to the campaign.
Cherfilus-McCormick, while acknowledging Campbell’s right to run, downplayed his criticisms, stating, “Anyone has the right to run for office. That’s how democracy works.” The upcoming August primary promises to be a closely watched contest, pitting a veteran political figure against a cultural icon with a history of activism.
Campbell’s foray into politics isn’t entirely new. He previously ran for Mayor of Miami-Dade County in , demonstrating a long-standing interest in public service. However, his current bid comes at a time when hip-hop’s engagement with politics is arguably at its highest point.
The Root recently explored this phenomenon, highlighting a number of artists who have transitioned from music to political activism or candidacy. Scarface, of the Geto Boys, ran for a city council seat in Houston in . Rhymefest came close to winning an alderman seat in Chicago in . And DoItAll, of Lords of the Underground, is currently serving as a West Ward Councilman in Newark, New Jersey, becoming the first platinum-selling hip-hop artist to win elected office.
DoItAll explained to The Root that his involvement in politics stemmed from a recognition that hip-hop culture has always been inherently political. “Anytime something is left out of the mainstream and doesn’t have the same resources as other cultures, things can quickly become political,” he said. His transition was driven by a desire to address issues like crime, economic disparity, and lack of resources in his community.
Perhaps the most prominent example of a hip-hop artist making a significant impact in politics is Shyne, who served as a Member of Parliament in Belize after a career marked by both musical success and legal challenges. He emphasized that his experience as an artist – giving a voice to the voiceless – translated seamlessly into his role as a representative of the people. “I went from speaking for my community and similar communities via my album to speak in the House of Representatives,” he told The Root.
The trend extends beyond elected office. Bronx rapper Mysonne, a longtime street activist and advocate for criminal justice reform, was recently appointed to Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s transition team in New York City. His appointment reflects a growing recognition of the value of lived experience and community-based perspectives in shaping policy.
Mysonne’s decision to engage with the political system was fueled by his own experiences with the justice system and a desire to prevent similar injustices from happening to others. He founded the non-profit Raising Kings, focused on supporting Black and brown youth and advocating for systemic change.
These examples illustrate a broader shift in hip-hop’s relationship with politics. What began as a form of social commentary and protest through music has evolved into direct engagement in the political arena. Artists are leveraging their platforms, influence, and lived experiences to advocate for their communities and seek systemic change. Luther Campbell’s candidacy is the latest, and perhaps most visible, manifestation of this trend, signaling a new era of hip-hop’s political power.
