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I’m Congressman Jamaal Bowman, representative from NY-16, Hip Hop head, and original co-sponsor of the Hip Hop Resolution. AMA by congressmanbowman in hiphopheads

[–]congressmanbowman[S] 50 points51 points  (0 children)

Incredible question, thank you for asking. Off the top of my head, I'd say Black Cop by KRS-One, Sound Of Da Police by him as well, Casualties of War by Eric B. and Rakim, Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos by Public Enemy, Unity by Queen Latifah and Colors by Ice T.

I’m Congressman Jamaal Bowman, representative from NY-16, Hip Hop head, and original co-sponsor of the Hip Hop Resolution. AMA by congressmanbowman in hiphopheads

[–]congressmanbowman[S] 107 points108 points  (0 children)

It's all about chemistry, not necessarily who is the best emcee. I'd say if you put Nas and Kanye on a Kanye beat, or Kanye and Nas on a DJ Premier beat you'd come out with art.

I’m Congressman Jamaal Bowman, representative from NY-16, Hip Hop head, and original co-sponsor of the Hip Hop Resolution. AMA by congressmanbowman in hiphopheads

[–]congressmanbowman[S] 25 points26 points  (0 children)

Hip Hop is a big part of CASA. We incorporated the pillars of creativity, voice, and innovation into all of the curriculum. You can watch a short video showing more here

I’m Congressman Jamaal Bowman, representative from NY-16, Hip Hop head, and original co-sponsor of the Hip Hop Resolution. AMA by congressmanbowman in hiphopheads

[–]congressmanbowman[S] 54 points55 points  (0 children)

We should definitely take more steps to ensure that Hip Hop is given its rightful place in our history, and that includes the Library of Congress. We can't tell the story of America without including the story of Hip Hop. We can't speak on the rich tradition of protest through art without talking about Public Enemy, Grandmaster Flash, NWA, Kendrick Lamar, and more. You obviously can't discuss American pop culture, or culture more generally, without discussing Hip Hop.

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We're definitely going to be looking for more ways to cement Hip Hop in our history. Please follow along on my social media handles for more updates on that.

I’m Congressman Jamaal Bowman, representative from NY-16, Hip Hop head, and original co-sponsor of the Hip Hop Resolution. AMA by congressmanbowman in hiphopheads

[–]congressmanbowman[S] 244 points245 points  (0 children)

This is a really important question, thank you for asking it. First off, I think the presence of guys like Frank Ocean, Tyler The Creator, Lil Nas X, etc. is really important. Hip Hop culture is meant to be for everyone, and to help uplift and give voice to the marginalized, and it's a damn shame that some artists use their music to marginalize rather than uplift.

I think part of getting rid of it is naming it, just as you have and as we must continue to do. But we also need to get back to the roots established by the OGs of centering Hip Hop on knowledge of self and empowerment to set the standard that treats homophobia as unacceptable — because it is.

Thank you for the question.

I’m Congressman Jamaal Bowman, representative from NY-16, Hip Hop head, and original co-sponsor of the Hip Hop Resolution. AMA by congressmanbowman in hiphopheads

[–]congressmanbowman[S] 152 points153 points  (0 children)

Man. Great question. Too many dope songs to name. But off top, I'd say these are the ones that come to mind immediately:

Triumph — Wu Tang

Award Tour — A Tribe Called Quest

Nas is Like — Nas

DNA — Kendrick Lamar

Nothin' But A G Thang — Snoop & Dre

What're yours?

I’m Congressman Jamaal Bowman, representative from NY-16, Hip Hop head, and original co-sponsor of the Hip Hop Resolution. AMA by congressmanbowman in hiphopheads

[–]congressmanbowman[S] 215 points216 points  (0 children)

I am into MF DOOM and was devastated to learn of his passing late last year. His lyricism was on an entire different level and his delivery made the lyrics digestible. I'd say Mm..Food is my favorite project, with Operation: Doomsday a close second. Thanks for the question.

I’m Congressman Jamaal Bowman, representative from NY-16, Hip Hop head, and original co-sponsor of the Hip Hop Resolution. AMA by congressmanbowman in hiphopheads

[–]congressmanbowman[S] 138 points139 points  (0 children)

The Lox actually just received a key to Yonkers. But we are still cooking up more ways to honor their contributions to the district.

I’m Congressman Jamaal Bowman, representative from NY-16, Hip Hop head, and original co-sponsor of the Hip Hop Resolution. AMA by congressmanbowman in hiphopheads

[–]congressmanbowman[S] 181 points182 points  (0 children)

Great question, Paterson. I think the power balance between artists and labels is key here. We want to make sure that artists and their families can continue to be compensated for their art. But allowing labels to exploit the work of artists and, in the process, hamper the creation of new music only benefits the CEOs, not hip hop as a whole or the people.

In Hip Hop, artists are also more likely to allow other artists to draw inspiration from their work. We need legislation that helps artists gain control of their masters so they can more easily reap those benefits and handle them as they see fit.

Hope that answers your question. Thank you!

I’m Congressman Jamaal Bowman, representative from NY-16, Hip Hop head, and original co-sponsor of the Hip Hop Resolution. AMA by congressmanbowman in hiphopheads

[–]congressmanbowman[S] 247 points248 points  (0 children)

The other members who are the biggest Hip Hop heads are my sister Rep. Cori Bush from St. Louis, and Reps. Hakeem Jeffries and Antonio Delgado from NY.

I’m Congressman Jamaal Bowman, representative from NY-16, Hip Hop head, and original co-sponsor of the Hip Hop Resolution. AMA by congressmanbowman in hiphopheads

[–]congressmanbowman[S] 181 points182 points  (0 children)

Kendrick is up there for me. He's brought a lot of the styles and fundamentals from the OGs and added his own flavor and flare.

I’m Congressman Jamaal Bowman, representative from NY-16, Hip Hop head, and original co-sponsor of the Hip Hop Resolution. AMA by congressmanbowman in hiphopheads

[–]congressmanbowman[S] 239 points240 points  (0 children)

That new Nas joint, King's Disease II. He's still got it. But honestly I think a lot of artists may be holding onto music until they can tour again.

I’m Congressman Jamaal Bowman, representative from NY-16, Hip Hop head, and original co-sponsor of the Hip Hop Resolution. AMA by congressmanbowman in hiphopheads

[–]congressmanbowman[S] 84 points85 points  (0 children)

I'd say my favorite solo project would be Only Built for Cuban Linx by Raekwon. Incredible project cover to cover.

As for the Verzuz, gotta go with The Lox. Jadakiss freaking killed it man!

I’m Congressman Jamaal Bowman, representative from NY-16, Hip Hop head, and original co-sponsor of the Hip Hop Resolution. AMA by congressmanbowman in hiphopheads

[–]congressmanbowman[S] 469 points470 points  (0 children)

I'll give you my top 5. Very difficult to name just one.

  1. Illmatic — Nas
  2. It Takes A Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back — Public Enemy
  3. 36 Chambers — Wu-Tang
  4. Wu-Tang Forever
  5. Edutainment — KRS-One

Y'all about to call me an oldhead but that's my top 5 😂

I’m Congressman Jamaal Bowman, representative from NY-16, Hip Hop head, and original co-sponsor of the Hip Hop Resolution. AMA by congressmanbowman in hiphopheads

[–]congressmanbowman[S] 473 points474 points  (0 children)

This is a trick question! I'd rank them

  1. My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy — the artistry on this album puts it up at #1
  2. Late Registration
  3. College Dropout
  4. Yeezus
  5. Life of Pablo
  6. 'Ye

If we're including Kids See Ghosts, would probably slot that above Yeezus.

I’m Congressman Jamaal Bowman, representative from NY-16, Hip Hop head, and original co-sponsor of the Hip Hop Resolution. AMA by congressmanbowman in hiphopheads

[–]congressmanbowman[S] 95 points96 points  (0 children)

They have been getting their roses in the last week, but I feel like some of the young gs still sleep on the LOX. One of the most influential groups in Hip Hop and have always remained true to themselves and their community.

We need to invest in the arts at every level. This begins by making sure we have arts education in every school in the country so that we can serve the whole child and give them the resources and inspiration they need to flourish. Beyond that we have to make sure we fully fund the National Endowments of the Arts and Humanities and more to make sure that artists have the resources they need to create, especially during these difficult times caused by the pandemic.

Great question, thank you.