# Politically-Conscious Hip Hop Ill Doctrine's "A Poem for the Young Voter" By Jennifer Astle | Published 2008-10-31 | Pop Culture Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/viral-video-serves-a-political-message-through-hip-hop References: [feministing](http://www.feministing.com/archives/011895.html) & [illdoctrine](http://www.illdoctrine.com/) Podcasting and blogging meet socially-conscious hip hop in Ill Doctrine’s [viral video](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/harris-walz) “A Poem For The Young Voter.” This video reminds us of the complacency and apathy often evident amongst youth voters and urges them to take action. Ill Doctrine was created by Jay Smooth, founder of WBAI’s radio show, Underground Railroad. Smooth urges young voters, through his eloquent lyrics, to get up off their asses and vote. He poses the question; “Imagine that one day your kids want to ask you; where were you when this moment in history passed you? And we have to tell our daughters and all our sons we stayed home on the day Obama almost won?” Musicians are coming out in droves to express their political ideologies, and not surprisingly, they are left leaning. From Everclear’s “Jesus was a [Democrat](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mint-a-vote)” to [Paris Hilton](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/thats-redhot)’s “Paris for President,” music represents the social voice of youth, and the message is clear: Youth want Obama! Perhaps we should call it Hip Hope. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.7/10 - Popularity: 3% | Activity: 69% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Pop Culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/popculture) > [Media](https://www.trendhunter.com/media) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Socially-conscious Music:** The rise of socially-conscious music allows musicians to voice their political ideologies and connect with the youth audience. - **Youth Political Engagement:** The increasing trend of encouraging youth political engagement through music encourages them to take action and vote. - **Hip Hop Activism:** Hip hop artists using their platform and music to raise awareness and drive social and political change. ### Who This Affects Most - **Music Industry:** The music industry has the opportunity to support and promote socially-conscious music, enabling artists to reach a wider audience. - **Political Engagement:** Political organizations and campaigns can leverage socially-conscious music to engage the youth and inspire them to participate in politics. - **Social Media and Influencer Marketing:** Social media platforms and influencer marketing agencies can collaborate with socially-conscious musicians to amplify their message and raise awareness. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Pop Culture Presidency Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brat.md) - [Dating App-Backed Election Centers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/voting-initiative.md) - [Boomer-Focused Voter Advertisements](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/groom-a-boomer.md) - [Inclusive Voting Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/apathy-is-boring.md) - [Voter Activation Ice Creams](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/churn-out-the-vote.md) - [Political Podcast Appearances](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kamala-harris-call-her-daddy.md) - [Pizza-Themed Music Videos](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lucha-little.md) - [Dispensary-Friendly Voting Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toke-the-vote.md) - [Gen Z Voter Engagement Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/asian-american-youth-election-campaign.md)