The 2016 election season has been full of surprises thus far, especially when it comes to candidate endorsements. Who could have guessed that Dennis Rodman would endorse Donald Trump? However, the candidate endorsement that I never saw coming, but could not be happier about, is rap group Run the Jewel’s endorsement of hopeful Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders. But, the relationship between Run the Jewels and Sanders has evolved into much more than just an endorsement.
For those of you who are not familiar with Run the Jewels, they are a rap duo formed by Killer Mike and El-P. The two have been working together since 2013 when they released their first album "Run the Jewels." Although not as popular as other rappers, Run the Jewels has a loyal and growing fan base and are most known for their unique rap style and the powerful messages of their songs. They are also known for their iconic logo of a fist and gun.
Then, in November 2015 Killer Mike introduced Sanders before one of his rallies, saying, “I truly believe Senator Bernie Sanders is the right man to lead this country,” and a beautiful collaboration was born. From then on Run the Jewels, and especially Killer Mike, have been vocal Sanders supporters. And not only has Killer Mike spoken at multiple Sanders rallies, he also held a six-part interview series with the senator to discuss topics including the economy, healthcare and the importance of voting. Killer Mike has rapped in many songs about not trusting the government, yet Sanders’s “50 years radically fighting your rights and mine” has convinced Killer Mike that Sanders is the right choice for president. In fact, Killer Mike has been so involved with Sanders’s campaign that he is considered to be his unofficial campaign adviser.
Not only is Run the Jewels a fan of Sanders, but Sanders seems to be returning the favor. After Killer Mike spoke at a Sanders rally, there was a slight controversy over a reference Killer Mike made to other Democratic presidential candidate hopeful, Hillary Clinton. However, Sanders openly defended the rapper saying that he believed that what Killer Mike said “makes sense,” and went on to further defend him. Most recently, Sanders introduced the duo before their set on the first weekend of the Coachella music festival in California. He first reaffirmed his relationship with Killer Mike, expressed his wishes to become closer with El-P and concluded by saying, “Without further ado, I’d like to introduce my friends, Run the Jewels.” You can watch the full introduction here.
Although on the surface their friendship may seem unexpected, the two have much in common. Firstly, both Sanders and Run the Jewels are advocates of change. Run the Jewels have many songs that shed light on national issues that desperately need reformation, which is very similar to Sanders’s campaign. Additionally, the two both share an unyielding passion for what they believe in. In fact, that is one of the reasons that Killer Mike was drawn to Sanders. Sanders himself sees this in Killer Mike as well stating, “his depth of passion, his knowledge, and commitment to community is an inspiration to me.”
The reason that I love that these two are working together is that it demonstrates how the world of music can be active in politics. Killer Mike and Run the Jewels, by teaming up with Bernie Sanders, are actively working for the changes they wish to see in this country. And, similarly, Sanders's desire to work with Killer Mike reveals his unending devotion to work for and with the people. Sanders and Run the Jewels are an example of the teamwork that is possible during an election.
Although no one could have ever predicted that a 74-year-old Vermont senator would team up with a 40-year-old rapper from Atlanta, their friendship and support of one another is certainly a highlight of the current election and a testament to Sanders’s ability to resonate with people everywhere.
