Vice President Kamala Harris threw an epic block party on the front lawn of her Washington, D.C. home and invited some of hip-hop’s biggest stars to provide the entertainment.
The hip-hop celebration went down on September 9, spearheaded by VP Harris, to commemorate the music genre’s 50th anniversary.
Prominent musical icons, including Lil Wayne, who had previously supported Donald Trump in 2020, Common, Too Short, Jeezy, Fat Joe, Remy Ma, Doug E. Fresh, Slick Rick, MC Lyte, and Wale, among others, graced the event. In partnership with the Recording Academy’s Black Music Coalition and Live Nation Urban, Harris celebrated the profound influence of Hip-Hop on global culture.
Getting hyphy at The Vice President’s Residence to Too Short Blow the Whistle for #HipHop50>>>> pic.twitter.com/r37Fqv92LE
— Reecie @BlackWomenViews (@ReecieColbert) September 9, 2023
Among the hits, Lil Wayne did a rendition of “Mrs. Officer,” while iconic lyricist Too Short performed his famous tracks “Blow The Whistle” and “Life Is…”
Although the event was a hit for most, many critics are speculating the shindig was just an attempt by President Joe Biden’s team to court the Black electorate.
It’s election season, and you know what that means: it’s time for Kamala Harris to start doing the Tether Tango as a way to pander for the Black vote pic.twitter.com/qDuTFgduAm
— Tariq Nasheed ?? (@tariqnasheed) September 9, 2023
Harris, an Oakland, California native, expressed her personal connection with Hip-Hop, stating it has been integral to her life since its inception. While attendees enjoyed the festivities, with Harris even captured on video dancing, although many thought her moves were a bit forced. Some believe that such gestures, combined with Biden’s 2021 declaration of Juneteenth as a federal holiday, indicate a bid to gain favor with Black voters.
Regardless of the political intentions, seeing some of hip-hop’s greatest hitmakers gather on one stage is pretty awesome.