Kamala Harris Hosts 50th Anniversary Hip Hop Celebration

Partying Or “Pandering?” Social Media Users React To Kamala Harris’ Star-Studded “50 Years of Hip Hop Celebration”

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Social media-goers wondered why there weren’t more heavy hitters like Jay-Z, Kendrick Lamar or J. Cole in attendance. However, performing at such events often reads like an endorsement of the politician.

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Several congressional Black Caucus members didn’t miss their opportunity to turn up.  Chairman Sen. Raphael Warnock, Rep. Steven Horsford, Rep. Cori Bush and Maryland Gov. Wes Moore mingled and enjoyed the festivities.

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Although it was a vibey event for all those in attendance, it set the internet ablaze with criticism for the 58-year-old. Many felt she was pandering to secure the Black vote.

An X user tweeted, “What better way to kick off the Democrats’ election season [than] by having Kamala Harris pander to the Hip Hop community at the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop celebration”

Some users came to her defense.

“If they do nothing it’s “they not looking out for us” and when they do for us it’s “pandering” or insufficient. Do y’all know what y’all want?”

Others roasted her dance moves.

“She can say she’s Black all she wants but she sure don’t dance with any rhythm. Sit down, Kamala. Go do something!”

Comedian Deon Cole introduced the CEO of the Recording Academy, Harvey Mason Jr., at the top of Saturday’s soiree. Mason expressed how deeply Hip Hop shaped his life and musical career.

“Hip hop changed my world,” Mason said. “I was growing up in the 80s right when hip hop was bursting onto the scene. It was on the radio, it was on MTV, it was in magazines, it was in culture. It was everything that I love about the genre.”

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In addition, he noted how Hip Hop permeates every genre of music.

“Now 50 years later, there’s not a single genre that has not absorbed something essential from hip hop,” Mason shared.

Although Hip Hop is undeniably influential, the genre also faces heavy criticism for blatant misogynistic, sexual and violent lyrics. However, there are a variety of Hip Hop tracks to choose from, including Gospel rap.

“[Hip hop] has always channeled the voices of the people,” Kamala contends. “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.”

Kamala added, “generations of hip hop artists helped to elevate the collective conscience through their voices.”

“Half a century later, it is clear hip hop will not be erased. Hip hop is here to stay,” said Harris.

Happy Anniversary Hip Hop! Check out more pictures from Kamala Harris’ Star-Studded “50 Years of Hip Hop Celebration” below.