Last week it was brought to my attention that liberals and radical progressives aren’t the only ones using hip-hop to promote a political agenda. Before you start having convulsions, let me assure you that Newt Gingrich and Sarah Palin haven’t come out with a mixtape; even though I’m sure Mrs. Palin read my blog post comparing her to Soulja Boy. The young lyricists who are giving hip-hop a push to the right are actually students at Dartmouth.  Their Youtube videos show that they are dedicated to spreading a conservative message through music and new media. David “Serious C” Rufful and Joshua “Stiltz” Andrew Riddle are the duo known as the Young Cons (no, not cons like Jack Abermoff, cons like conservatives).

On their webpage in the about us section it says: “The Young Cons are conservative activists, division one college basketball players, Ivy League students, editors for The Dartmouth Review, rappers, bloggers, and co-founders of the 7,800-member Young Conservatives Facebook group. We have a mission to spread the love and logic surrounding true conservatism. In a technological era driven fiercely by the main stream media, those who vocalize the true conservative message of individual responsibility, moral absolutes, and small government are slanted as intolerant, racist, “bible and gun clinging”, corporate fat cats who could not care less about the environment nor the well being of their fellow man. Our group proves otherwise. Our performances are meant to be entertaining, combining both humor with serious commentary. In a day where conservatives are seen as close-minded and archaic, we bring a new perspective to a long-standing philosophy. Instead of sinking into the assemblage of the self-satisfied, we challenge the hearts and minds of Americans with lyrics that expose the true agenda of big government.”

(I’m sure Ronald Reagan is swag surfing in his grave)

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqeOxfZ8PCE&feature=player_embedded#at=20

While I find some of their lyrics to be a tad bit corny, and their delivery to be on par with Milli Vanilla singing over a skipping track (that’s an 80’s reference), I give them props for what they’re doing. Hip-hop has always been used as a vehicle to engender activism and political discourse. As a true hip-hop fan and political junkie, it is important to embrace social commentary of all stripes. With that said, I don’t think the Young Cons are going to be winning any “Freestyle Friday” battles, but the mere fact that I’m blogging about them shows that they are doing their job. Maybe Michael Steele was actually prophetic when he said that he was going to bring hip-hop to the Republican Party.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWTh9_A6t8w