Shaun King: Why Rapper Killer Mike's ENDORSEMENT Of Bernie Sanders Matters

"...While conventional wisdom may hold that an endorsement from rappers with singles currently in the top 10 would hold more value, I reject that. By in large, folk don't care what Drake or Future think about politics, but Killer Mike has built real credibility in the activism space and his endorsement mattered. Will it move the needle? It's hard to say, but for a lot of people who love hip hop, the full throttle endorsement Mike gave might just loosen the lid on Bernie's jar a little..."







In less than 24 hours after I posted this video of Killer Mike's endorsement of Bernie Sanders in Atlanta yesterday, it has received nearly 2 million views. To many of you who have no idea who Killer Mike is, he is your favorite rapper's favorite rapper. While he may not have the household name recognition of Kanye or Jay Z, throughout his career, Killer Mike, born Michael Render, has kept a hardline political edge. In fact, he is pretty much known for his distrust of traditional American leaders of all kinds. In great part, that's why having a guy like Bernie Sanders win over the endorsement of Killer Mike actually resonates deeply with hip hop heads around the country. Mike is not the type of dude who throws these endorsements out every election year, but it's actually deeper than that. Killer Mike's endorsement of Bernie Sanders was impassioned, well-reasoned, purposeful, and realistic. Knowing that his brand is "keep it real," Killer Mike set the tone from the start.



"That's not why I'm here today. I'm not here to talk about benevolent politicians that are going to come and save the day for you. I'm not here to talk about the dream that you think is unattainable so you settle for less. I'm not here to talk about utopian society where everyone is forgiven and no one has to pay for past debts."



More than any point in recent memory, most of Killer Mike's audience has worn thin about the perpetual over-promising and under-delivering of politicians. Speeches with no substantive follow-up really don't resonate like they may have in the past. Understanding that, Mike connected his own principles with Bernie's primary campaign pillars.



"I am here as a proponent of the liberal revolution that says healthcare is a right. I am here because working class and poor people deserve a chance at economic freedom. And yes, if you work 40 hours a week  you should not be in poverty. While here, I have to tell you that in my heart of hearts, in my heart of hearts, I fully believe that Sen. Bernie Sanders is the right man to lead this country. I believe it because he, unlike any other candidate, said I would like to restore the Voting Rights Act. He, unlike any other candidate, said I wish to end this illegal war on drugs. Unlike any other candidate in my life, he said that education should be free."





cont'



http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/shaun-king-killer-mike-bernie-sanders-endorsement-matters-article-1.2445771 To many of you who have no idea who Killer Mike is, he is your favorite rapper's favorite rapper. While he may not have the household name recognition of Kanye or Jay Z, throughout his career, Killer Mike, born Michael Render, has kept a hardline political edge. In fact, he is pretty much known forIn great part, that's why having a guy like Bernie Sanders win over the endorsement of Killer Mike actually resonates deeply with hip hop heads around the country.More than any point in recent memory, most of Killer Mike's audience hasSpeeches with no substantive follow-up really don't resonate like they may have in the past. Understanding that,cont' 124 Tweet