Claire Bernish

June 30, 2015

(ANTIMEDIA) On Monday, Killer Mike of Run the Jewels took to Twitter to endorse Bernie Sanders for president in 2016—specifically because of the senator’s vow to restore the Voting Rights Act.

“It’s official I support @SenSanders! His call 4 the restoration of the voters rights act sealed the deal for me.”

In fact, when one of his over 148,000 followers begged him to vote for Hillary Clinton should Sanders fail to win the Democratic nomination, Killer Mike responded,

“no Hillary 4 me bro. I cannot support another Clinton or Bush ever.”

Recently, the politically-outspoken wordsmith attempted a bid for state representative in Atlanta’s District 55 that ended after missing the filing deadline—dashing hopes that residents would simply be able to write his name on the ballot. He left that door open in a follow-up tweet: “2016 is possible tho!”

Considering his no-nonsense, populist views, the choice of Bernie Sanders is fitting for Killer Mike. The Independent Vermont senator is known for views differing from typical party platforms, which has attracted him a fervent following. His choice to run as a Democrat would ostensibly give him far greater chances at the presidency than a third-party candidacy ever could. Killer Mike’s endorsement starkly contrasts the seeming favorite of popular, manufactured hip-hop artists, who have widely endorsed Clinton. Echoing a growing sentiment among the politically disaffected, he tweeted in the same thread:

“I am beginning to see American political families like monarchs and I have no affection for monarchs.”

Responses about the Sanders endorsement from the rapper’s followers were unanimously positive, mostly in line with one who said, “My favorite contemporary rapper supporting my favorite contemporary statesman working for the people.” Or more directly, “Awesome that you’re on the Sanders bus! Gotta use your influence to spread his word so we can get him in office!”

If you somehow haven’t seen or heard Killer Mike’s work before, “Reagan” and Run the Jewels’ “Close Your Eyes (And Count to Fuck),” featuring Zack de la Rocha, are both powerful songs with must-see music videos we’ve covered in the past.

With his consistent, forthright voice for the marginalized and discontented—including several appearances in mainstream media outlets, speaking truth to propaganda—perhaps Killer Mike’s endorsement is precisely what Bernie Sanders needs.

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