Now, we unfortunately had a failed attempt with that in Detroit with Kwame Kilpatrick. "Hip Hop Matters" (which was released before Kilpatrick's scandal unfolded) mentions how Kwame was labeled as the first "hip hop mayor" and had actually implemented some programs that could have been very beneficial for the city, and especially its youth. Of course, he messed all of that up with some absolutely horrible decisions, but what I am hopeful for is that others that grew up in the hip hop generation will step into positions of power and have good intentions to help build up their communities. The people that grew up in these neighborhoods, actually saw what was wrong first hand and that have ideas of what could be changed based on those accounts, I'm hoping that they will become involved in the changes that will take place all across the country. 

Now, I don't expect things to change over night and I don't think that we have completely reached the point to where people from the hip hop generation dominate the political bills, but I think that more and more are getting involved and running for office and there are more people in the hip hop community that are going to the polls. We all know that Obama turned to the hip hop generation to help him win the election and I'm assuming that in the next few elections, that trend will continue on a local level. If we really start to take control of the issues that are affecting us, we may be able to make at least some small changes, if not drastic ones. 

Now, I will be the first to tell you that I'm not on my political game the way I should have be, but after reading this section in the book, I really got inspired to at least have a more solid understanding of what is going on within the political spectrum, so that in the future I can ensure that I am voting for the best candidate, especially since that person might just show the world a side of hip hop they have never seen before. 

What are your thoughts on politics and voting? Did you vote? What do you think about hip hop taking over some political positions? Let me hear your thoughts. Comment or e-mail at straightouttahiphop@gmail.com. 

Peace.