NEW YORK – JULY 26: (U.S. TABS OUT) Rapper Plies poses for a photo during MTV’s Sucker Free at the MTV Times Square Studios on July 18, 2007 in New York City. (Photo by Scott Gries/Getty Images)
The rapper reflects on Barack Obama’s campaigns, Kamala Harris and efforts he believes have discouraged Black voters from participating in elections.
Over the last decade and change, Plies has emerged as one of the more astute celebrities when it comes to speaking about politics. Never ashamed to highlight his support for the likes of Barack Obama and Kamala Harris, the “Shawty” rapper had a moment of reflection while on a flight, questioning how conservatives convinced Black Americans that voting doesn’t matter, saying enthusiasm among Black voters can affect elections.
In an Instagram video uploaded on Sunday, the Florida rapper used most of the four minutes questioning why muting Black excitement for voting became a strong political tactic that some Black voters fell for.
“How did these motherf-ckers convince us that this sh-t don’t matter?” he asked, arguing that political opponents had studied the impact of Black voter enthusiasm and wanted to prevent that excitement from returning.
Plies pointed to Barack Obama’s presidential campaigns as an example. He suggested that Obama’s electoral success made political opponents determined to discourage Black voters in later elections. He also described redistricting and voting restrictions as preparations for the possibility of renewed Black voter participation. The video offers his interpretation of those political motives, rather than evidence establishing a coordinated plan.
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