Rep. Radel Is Trying to Coin "Hip Hop Conservative"

Rep. Trey Radel (R-FL) is a Congressman, hip hop enthusiast, and now a Buzzfeed Community Contributor. In one of the GOP's latest and most entertaining attempts to appeal to young people and minorities, Radel wrote an article for Buzzfeed posted Wednesday. It is entitled, "Congressman Trey Radel: Why I'm A Hip Hop Conservative."

Really.

Below are my favorite excerpts from the thought-provoking read.

1. Radel opens by saying, "Unlike most young, white teenagers growing up in the suburbs of Cincinnati, Ohio, my favorite musicians were hip hop artists, including rappers such as Eric B., Big Daddy Kane and Chuck D of Public Enemy." Wow, Congressman, you really transcended societal norms and shattered the barriers young, white teenagers face in suburbs everywhere.
2. On his first hip hop listening experience, Radel says, "It was NWA, the hardcore, gangsta rappers that rapped about life in Compton in graphic, graphic detail." Wait, were NWA's lyrics graphic? Radel isn't very clear on this point.
3. "I find a conservative message in [Public Enemy's] 'Fight the Power' because I believe when government expands it becomes a political tool meant to oppress." ...I actually can't stop laughing.
4. "I am a Hip Hop Conservative, and that is not an oxymoron." I'm still dying of laughter, so I have no snark to offer here. Radel continues to say his unique brand of hip hop conservatism, "is the future of many others in my generation of 40 and below." I've stopped chuckling long enough to say, dream on, Rep. Radel.
5. "My goal as a Member of Congress is to connect and communicate the conservative message to people, cutting across cultural, generational and ethnic lines. My love for music has helped me do this, and as much as we may disagree philosophically, Public Enemy and NWA have helped me do this." I'm sure Public Enemy and the former members of NWA are delighted with this unexpected political endorsement. Philosophically speaking.

For funsies, check out this 2012 clip of hip hop artists discussing why they support Obama.