Kamala Harris held a celebration for the 50th anniversary of hip-hop at the vice presidential residence over the weekend, which was well attended by some of the biggest stars in hip-hop like Lil Wayne and Common.
"Hip-hop is the ultimate American art form," the Vice President said in her welcome speech. "Hip-hop now shapes nearly every aspect of America's popular culture, and it reflects the incredible diversity and ingenuity of the American people.
"It combines rhythms from the continent of Africa, from the Caribbean, from Latin America, with the sounds of soul and gospel and R&B and funk to create something entirely new."
Hip-hop was reportedly created on Aug. 11 1973 during a back-to-school party in the Bronx in New York City, and fifty years later, it is a thriving and active movement that has shifted and adapted to the times since it was first introduced.
Kamala Harris Seeks to Retrain Support with Hip-Hop Anniversary Gig
According to Politico, Vice President Harris is celebrating hip-hop for another reason: she is seeking to retain the support by celebrating the genre's "prominent Black roots" in preparation for the 2024 reelection.
"It tells the stories that don't make the news. But as the great Chuck D once said, rap is Black America's CNN. And by telling the truth, hip-hop calls us to action."
Several hip-hop artists came out to celebrate with Vice President Harris, including Lil Wayne, Common, MC Lyte, Roxanne Shante, and more.
The event was also co-sponsored by the Recording Academy's Black Music Collective as well as Live Nation Urban.
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Kamala Harris Eyes Cultural Movement Fueled by Music
Hip-hop has already celebrated its anniversary a month ago, in fact, there have been several celebrations that already took place months in advance.
According to reports, the Grammy Awards celebrated the 50th anniversary of hip-hop with a special award, the Global Impact Award, which was given to Dr. Dre.
During the tribute, several other artists like LL Cool J, Queen Latifah, Missy Elliott, Lil Baby, Run DMC, and more took the stage and performed some of their greatest hits.
Likewise, Vice President Harris' celebration of hip-hop was a success, except maybe for the criticisms she received for her "granny moves."
According to the New York Post, netizens made fun of the Vice President's dance moves, describing it as "pure cringe" or the "cackle shuffle."
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