HIP-HOP NATION FLEXES MUSCLES
IN OBAMA BLOWOUT

The largest voting constituency in the history-making election of Barack Obama comprised the millions of 18-35 year olds who are "brand-loyal to hip-hop culture," the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network asserted in a release Tuesday night. In consistent and telling numbers, exit polls in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, Wisconsin and Connecticut conducted by the networks revealed that 18-29-year-olds voted in record numbers, a huge majority united in their fervor for Obama.

Said Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr., President of the Hip Hop Caucus: "Tonight, the hip-hop generation made history. In the ’60s, young people had to be revolutionary, but in the 21st century we have decided to be 'solution-ary.' We have come out in large numbers to not only change America, but to change the world. We have made America respect our vote!"

HSAN Executive Director Valeisha Butterfield seconded that emotion: "What we are witnessing today is the game changing impact of the hip-hop vote. Our grass-roots efforts to get out the vote paid off tremendously. Young adults from every part of the United States shattered all records and expectations. I'm so proud of my generation stepping up to the plate."

Added Dr. Benjamin Chavis, President/CEO of HSAN: "Tonight, we all witnessed the transformation of American society… Hip-hop artists and icons, male and female, all worked hard to make sure the issues and the interests of young people were represented. President Elect Obama now has a serious mandate from the hip-hop generation. Hip-hop transcends race and will continue to be a force for change, not only in America, but also throughout the world."

In a separate mass email, HSAN founder Russell Simmons praised the hip-hop bloc for playing a significant part in the history-making election of Barack Obama. Here’s the complete text of his statement:

“The vision of the hip-hop generation and its young people is in full and glorious effect tonight. While many older Americans, who marched and struggled so hard so Senator Obama could run for president of the United States never dared to believe in his candidacy's real potential, young people, particularly the hip-hop community, had faith, and their imagination became our reality.

”The election of Barack Obama, a resounding progressive voice, is a clear reflection of hip-hop politics. It is a reflection of the 35 million people who downloaded Ekhard Tolle's The New Earth, and all of the other popular books espousing this new, emerging consciousness. Promoting love, compassion and generosity over fear, anger and greed; promoting lasting peace through dialogue and opportunity will be more economic to the American people in these troubled times than the promotion of war. Obama’s election as president is a beautiful testament to the American collective consciousness that is flowering. This more loving consciousness will be necessary to protect us from some of our hurtful human choices and tendencies. We will need it to create balance with the constantly emerging advances in technology so, going forward, we can use these advances in a positive way to lift up Mother Earth and all her inhabitants.

”I don't think I'm overstating it when I say that today, I feel like America has dodged a bullet. Let's support this beautiful leader to do the work necessary to promote and execute on the change agenda we all voted for. Let's each do our part to insure that this is a transformative time in America, where our country can be a leader in creating a positive and lasting change in the world.”