2 Chainz: "2012 Election Proves Again That Hip-Hop Won't Be Counted Out"

There is no denying that 2 Chainz is quite a politically active individual. Acknowledging the power of one single vote, the Atlanta native has been named as the national spokesperson for the Respect My Vote! earlier this year. On the heels of President Barack Obama’s reelection this week, 2 Chainz has composed a letter for Rolling Stone, delving into the importance to vote and how hip-hop played a major role in this year’s elections. Find an excerpt of the piece below and find it in its entirety here.

Many counted us out this election. Many said that the high turnout of young voters and voters of color in 2008 was a one-time thing. We proved them wrong. The vote share of young voters increased in 2012 over 2008, and over 22 million 18-29 year olds voted. We have seen the results thousands of phone calls and doors knocked, rallies, parties and concerts, and online and social media campaigns. In every state that came down to a narrow margin, young people and people of color were the deciding factor.

Hip-hop, we should celebrate. Whether you voted for President Obama or Governor Romney, we demonstrated that we are a political force, and that we cannot be ignored.

I will continue to support the work of the Hip Hop Caucus. I encourage everyone to pay attention to the issues that matter to you, from jobs and the economy, to education and our schools, to criminal justice reform. Whatever it is that you care about, make sure you use your voice.

As I said, I spent most of my adult life thinking I didn’t have a vote, and therefore that what I thought didn’t matter. I can say sincerely, don’t take your voice for granted. It is truly what makes us all equal.