The ContestIf you're between the ages of 18 and 30, we want to hear from you. We're looking for DJ's, emcees, writers, producers, poets, graf writers, designers, t-shirt makers and all around fresh individuals to tell the world why hip-hop is important to any political change, and what issues are important to you and your community.
The contest is separated into three categories loosely based on the elements of hip-hop -- audio (DJ'ing), video (MC'ing) and design (graffiti). Do you have a picture of a t-shirt or poster you designed? A poem you performed? Song you recently made? Explain why the candidates speak for you -- or why they don't.
One winner will be chosen from each category. Winners each get $500, the opportunity perform at a Vote Hip Hop awards party in Oakland, CA and are featured on The Nation Magazine online, WireTap Magazine, Future5000.com and dozens of other syndicated websites.
The Vote Hip-Hop contest is a collaborative project of Generation Vote, a national alliance of 18 youth organizations with members all across the country. Check out our national youth issues platform and find out how you can help get out the vote today.
About the sponsors
Generation Vote members are united in the belief that the young people most directly affected by the social, economic and environmental policies up for debate this year are the natural visionaries and leaders of social change. Grounded in this principle, we aim to move the issues and perspectives of impacted young people from the margins to the very center of the national dialogue. Bridging campuses and communities, collaborating across fields and issues, Generation Vote members have teamed up to more effectively promote the leadership and voices of young people, particularly from low income communities and communities of color, in the current election cycle. At the same time, we are building the relationships, strategic vision and power necessary to create long-term systemic change.
The Hip Hop Caucus, also a member of Generation Vote, was established in September 2004 by activists and organizers who were working to get out the vote. In organizing and mobilizing around the elections we realized the critical need for a sustainable political organization that empowers the Hip Hop generation to participate in the policymaking process. Through the Hip Hop Caucus we are challenging the demonization of a generation and culture by creating a space for young people to speak up -- to discuss and debate a new vision of a society and a government that works for all of us. We insist that issues of poverty, inequality and opportunity be placed at the center of our national debate. We challenge the status-quo in Washington, which relies on "experts" to determine what our communities need. We engage the Hip Hop generation, those born after 1964, through issue campaigns, events, and voter education. We work to broaden and revitalize a civil and human rights agenda for the 21st century that is embodied in a multi-racial, multi-cultural and multi-class progressive movement.
Rules
Check out the full set of contest rules for detailed information.
Judges
Check out the judges.