The 2024 presidential election was filled with surprises and heated debates. Many fans looked toward their favorite artists to speak out about their political beliefs and show support. Fans criticized and supported artists who voiced their opinion as tensions began to rise. Others argued that people should learn how to separate the music from the artists, and others believed that music should not be involved in politics at all. However, music has always been entangled with politics one way or another.
In 1989, the hip-hop rap group, N.W.A released their album, “Straight Outta Compton.” The hit song, “F— tha Police,” caused controversy across the nation and globally. The song opposed racial profiling, police brutality, and insulted the police force. Due to the graphic nature of the song, radio stations were banned from playing it. Concerned fans believed that radio stations were participating in censoring, regardless of the usage of swear words. Even a radio station in Australia was eventually banned from playing the song by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Decades before N.W.A., Johnny Cash performed at California’s San Quentin State Prison in 1969. The country singer placed himself alongside incarcerated individuals, forcing his listeners to imagine themselves in the shoes of a prisoner.
On July 21, 2024, Charli XCX posted, “Kamala IS brat.” The British popstar had released the album, “Brat,” a month prior. The post was the beginning of numerous memes used in support of the presidential candidate Kamala Harris. However, the support did not stop there, as Kamala Harris’ team embraced the use of the term throughout the campaign and even adopted it as a banner. When asked what the term meant, Charli XCX stated, “Who feels like herself but maybe also has a breakdown. But kind of, like, parties through it, is very honest, very blunt. A little bit volatile. Like, does dumb things. But it’s brat. You’re brat. That’s brat.” Charli XCX aligned herself with Harris, despite not being an American citizen herself.
The social media campaign helped Kamala to connect with the younger demographic of voters, more specifically female and L.G.B.T. Q+ youth. By capturing their attention through humor and trends, Kamala could voice the important beliefs behind her campaign. However, some fans are conflicted as to who to support politically and musically.
The Puerto Rican artist, Bad Bunny, reposted a video of Harris implying his support. Other artists such as Waka Flocka Flame are more deliberate with their support. He made a post on platform X stating, “Trump for president!!!!!! Let’s Go!!!!!” Although in previous years, fans have supported the idea of separating the music from the artists, many are finding it increasingly difficult as artists voice their opinions. Simultaneously, artists feel the pressure from fans to speak out on certain issues. The public figures are aware of the dangers of remaining silent and neutral. It can seem like a lose-lose situation for artists whose views do not align with their fanbase. However as politics become increasingly intertwined with entertainment, it is up to fans to decide who they will support.
In 1989, the hip-hop rap group, N.W.A released their album, “Straight Outta Compton.” The hit song, “F— tha Police,” caused controversy across the nation and globally. The song opposed racial profiling, police brutality, and insulted the police force. Due to the graphic nature of the song, radio stations were banned from playing it. Concerned fans believed that radio stations were participating in censoring, regardless of the usage of swear words. Even a radio station in Australia was eventually banned from playing the song by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Decades before N.W.A., Johnny Cash performed at California’s San Quentin State Prison in 1969. The country singer placed himself alongside incarcerated individuals, forcing his listeners to imagine themselves in the shoes of a prisoner.
On July 21, 2024, Charli XCX posted, “Kamala IS brat.” The British popstar had released the album, “Brat,” a month prior. The post was the beginning of numerous memes used in support of the presidential candidate Kamala Harris. However, the support did not stop there, as Kamala Harris’ team embraced the use of the term throughout the campaign and even adopted it as a banner. When asked what the term meant, Charli XCX stated, “Who feels like herself but maybe also has a breakdown. But kind of, like, parties through it, is very honest, very blunt. A little bit volatile. Like, does dumb things. But it’s brat. You’re brat. That’s brat.” Charli XCX aligned herself with Harris, despite not being an American citizen herself.
The social media campaign helped Kamala to connect with the younger demographic of voters, more specifically female and L.G.B.T. Q+ youth. By capturing their attention through humor and trends, Kamala could voice the important beliefs behind her campaign. However, some fans are conflicted as to who to support politically and musically.
The Puerto Rican artist, Bad Bunny, reposted a video of Harris implying his support. Other artists such as Waka Flocka Flame are more deliberate with their support. He made a post on platform X stating, “Trump for president!!!!!! Let’s Go!!!!!” Although in previous years, fans have supported the idea of separating the music from the artists, many are finding it increasingly difficult as artists voice their opinions. Simultaneously, artists feel the pressure from fans to speak out on certain issues. The public figures are aware of the dangers of remaining silent and neutral. It can seem like a lose-lose situation for artists whose views do not align with their fanbase. However as politics become increasingly intertwined with entertainment, it is up to fans to decide who they will support.