In yet another sign that 2012 is truly the year of the DJ, Obama for America has launched a program entitled DJs for Obama – a reelection effort that calls upon top acts to voice their support of the incumbent. "I would never have imagined that my love for hip-hop, my love for music would allow me to get involved like this," said DJ Cassidy, who was tapped by Barack Obama himself to spin at the President's inauguration in 2009. "It's very surreal."
Cassidy was one of three particpating artists, including D-Nice and DJ Rashida, who took part in a conference call with journalists on Tuesday to promote the program. DJ Rashida, who has collaborated with the likes of Prince, said that with EDM culture at an all-time high the time is right for DJs to take center stage. "Our platform is to a lot of young people," she explained. "Knowing myself as a young person, I didn't really know what the power of my vote was. No one should underestimate the impact they can have."
D-Nice, a member of the pioneering Eighties hip-hop group Boogie Down Productions, said he'd be involved with the President's reelection campaign regardless of his profession. "Even if I wasn't a DJ I would still be out here trying to get it done," he said. "To spread the word. To get people registered. It's my responsibility as an American to get out there."
Cassidy added that he sees a correlation between what DJs do on a nightly basis and what this election stands for. "DJ'ing is about motivation, celebration, inspiration," he said. "DJs are in front of so many crowds every night of all ages, races, genders. When you think about it, that's what this election is all about: people from every background, race and creed joining together to celebrate what makes America great and all that Obama has done to make it even greater."
The DJs, who all agree President Obama's work is just beginning, stressed the importance of informing young Americans on the importance of their vote.
