Power of Youth Vote, Community Activism Recognized at Hip-hop Inaugural Ball

The history of hip hop, its present and its future marked the second Hip-Hop Inaugural Ball, held the U.S. Presidential inaugural weekend in D.C.

Hip-hop stars of yesterday and today-including 2 Chainz, Meek Mill, Doug E. Fresh and MC Lyte-joined with a crowd of young professionals and hip-hop enthusiasts for the inaugural event, which celebrated the hip-hop community’s role in the 2012 election as well as its continued promotion political awareness.

Hosted by Russell Simmons’ Hip-Hop Summit Action Network and the non-profit organization Philanthropik, and sponsored by Heineken USA, the inaugural ball is the sequel to the 2009 event, which also celebrated the political accomplishments of the hip-hop community.

President Obama was decisively re-elected in November, in part, political analysts say, because of the growth the youth vote in 2012. Hip-hop’s advocacy for voting in songs, social media and in media appears is cited as raising significant awareness of the importance of voting for young people.

The black tie gala was hosted by actress and television personality La La Anthony and Terrance J, actor and E! News anchor, who provided adlib banter with the audience and offered several funny observations during the ceremony, which featured a mix of performances, speeches and awards.

Several in the hip-hop community were honored at Harman Center for the Arts in D.C. for their philanthropic work, including Atlanta rapper 2 Chainz, who received the Street Soldier Award for his work in encouraging youths, particularly ex-felons, to vote.

“It means a lot for me. I came from nothing, and to be right here and get honored for this, I feel like it’s a great milestone,” said 2 Chainz, who was recently nominated for a Grammy Award. “The hip-hop community has a big voice. It was time for people like myself and other artists to use the platform and our voice to kind of uplift the community.

Rapper Meek Mill of Philadelphia was also honored for his work in the community, including a toy giveaway he sponsored at Christmas for children living in shelters. “Being from the type of neighborhood I come from, if I can make a change or have an impact on the kids, I’ll always volunteer to do it.”

Producer/rapper Swizz Beatz received the Impact Award for his charity efforts in Africa. And actress Rosario Dawson accepted for the Vanguard Award for her work as Chairman of the Voto Latino organization and its efforts to get out the Latino vote in the election.

R&B crooner John Legend, in receiving the Humanitarian award, credited hip-hop for doing their part in helping reelect President Barack Obama for the U.S. presidency. “I think hip-hop had a role in making sure that we elected a black president in America, because we made it so that black people were in people’s homes,” he said.

Hip-hop pioneers Doug E. Fresh and MC Lyte, who was serenaded by rappers Lil’ Mama and Yo-Yo, received lifetime achievement awards, which they accepted with heartfelt speeches.