A pivotal figure in hip-hop history makes an unexpected political endorsement, marking a significant shift in the music industry's political landscape.
According to The Hill, Michael "Harry O" Harris, Death Row Records co-founder, publicly endorsed former President Donald Trump on Monday, following his 2021 clemency grant.
The endorsement came through Harris's nonprofit organization Community First, which shared Trump's supportive message on social media platforms.
Harris received clemency from Trump in 2021, cutting short his 33-year prison sentence for drug-related charges. The former music executive had been convicted of operating a large-scale cocaine distribution network from Los Angeles during the 1980s.
Trump's Truth Social platform acknowledged Harris's recent work, with the former president sharing his support. Harris's organization promptly shared the endorsement across their social media channels.
From Trump's Truth Social post:
Michael Harris (Harry O), is working hard to support and build on what my administration did for Black Americans in the first term. Good luck to Michael and the Community First team. Working together, we will Make America Great Again for everyone!
Earlier this month, Harris launched a campaign challenging presidential candidates to address Black community concerns. The initiative focused on expanding investment opportunities for Black business leaders and promoting prison education programs.
Harris, speaking through Community First, emphasized the importance of accountability in political leadership. His organization's video message highlighted the urgent need for change in political approaches to community development.
Harris expressed his stance to The Washington Post:
There isn't a candidate running for anything who I agree with on 100 percent of the issues, but I strongly align with the majority of Donald Trump's initiatives that aim to improve the lives of underserved communities. This is why I support him — because he supports us.
Current Death Row Records leader Snoop Dogg has also expressed positive sentiments toward Trump, citing the former president's clemency decisions. The rapper specifically mentioned Harris's pardon in recent media appearances.
The clemency grant coincided with similar pardons for prominent hip-hop artists Kodak Black and Lil Wayne, who faced weapons charges at the time.
Despite some policy disagreements, particularly regarding Trump's stance on drug-related criminal penalties, Harris maintains his support for the former president's overall initiatives.
The endorsement represents a significant moment in hip-hop's relationship with presidential politics. Harris's transition from music industry pioneer to social activist exemplifies the evolving intersection of entertainment and political advocacy. The support from both Harris and Snoop Dogg demonstrates the complex dynamics between the hip-hop community and contemporary political movements.
