Hip Hop VS Trump Panel At REVOLT Music Conference

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David Banner, T.I., Joey Bada$$, Mysonne, Karen Civil & More Discuss Politics At The REVOLT Music Conference

During the 2017 REVOLT MUSIC Conference a number of Hip-Hop artists, activists, and industry professionals converged at Eden Roc Miami Beach to speak on the nation’s hostile political climate since Donald Trump’s election.

The highly anticipated “Hip Hop VS Trump” panel featured moderator, Jeff Johnson (CEO, JIJ Communications), and panelists David Banner (Artist, Activist), Joey Bada$$ (CEO/Musician/Actor), T.I. (Recording Artist), Mysonne (Artist) , Rev. Shane R. Smith (President, National Action Network San Diego), Datwon Thomas (Editor in Chief, Vibe) Rob Kenner (Executive Editor, Mass Appeal), Vanessa Satten (Editor in Chief, XXL), Karen Civil (Author, Media Maven, Brand Curator) and Shaheem Reid (Host/ Writer/ Producer, REVOLT TV).

Topics discussed included racism, NFL player protests, advertising and media influences and BOSSIP was on hand to witness the panel.

Things got especially interesting when David Banner and T.I. were asked to speak on their “evolution” into the politically aware rappers they are today.

According to T.I. he feels especially impassioned to speak on the political landscape because of his 7 children who need him to affect change in the world they live in.

“My evolution is constant,” said Tip. “I don’t see myself at a place where ‘Oh I have changed so much and my perspective is so immensely different.’ We’re both growing in an environment where things are happening that affect us, our loved ones, our livelihoods, our culture, our way of life. I have children,” he added. They’re growing up in a world that I have an opportunity to affect change [in], and I would not be able to look them in the eyes if I hadn’t exercised and exhausted all my resources and options to institute that change.”

At one point David Banner also added that he’s “grateful” for Trump because of he’s sparked political awareness in people who normally wouldn’t pay the White House any attention.

“I’m actually grateful for Trump,” said Banner. “I haven’t seen black people this engaged in the political process. The week after he won, I got homeboys who I know ain’t got nothing to do with black power, and they coming up to me like; “David Banner, I like that black power s*** my n***.” I know that they’re saying that they feel me. I’m grateful because what Trump has done is taken away the excuse that white liberals had that this is a post-racial America.”

This panel included banter between audience members about actual solutions to the problems and wise words from activist/Women’s March organizer Tamika Mallory who implored the celebs and audience members to continue the conversation outside of Revolt by backing organizers.

“We raised $3 million [for the Women’s March] in two months without one corporate dollar, PERIOD,” said Tamika. “I and others were able to stand on the stage and talk to white people about oppression. We were able to put people who were formerly incarcerated on the stage. We cannot do that with corporate banners behind us.”

“What happened with this $3 million is that mostly white people gave $25, that was the highest level for more people,” she added. “It’s great to hear all of this but we gotta turn around and look at this audience and ask the question, ‘Are we supporting people who are really doing the work?”

Diddy himself also stopped by the panel and extended the panelists’ time so they could engage with the audience.