Four hip-hop icons—Chuck D, KRS-One, Melle Mel, and Scorpio—are joining forces for a new politically charged track, Project 2025. The song, released ahead of the 2024 U.S. presidential election, aims to mobilize voters and reestablish hip-hop’s role as a voice for social justice and political change.
“Project 2025”: A Call to Action
“Hip-hop has always been the voice of the streets,” said KRS-One, who has been a political force in the genre for decades. He emphasized that Project 2025 is a rallying cry for people to wake up and take action. “The streets ain’t with Project 2025, and we need to let it be known,” KRS-One added, referring to the controversial political plan laid out by The Heritage Foundation.
The initiative, published in 2022, proposes significant changes to the federal government, including limiting abortion rights and restructuring law enforcement. “This track is not about telling people who to vote for,” said Melle Mel. “It’s about recognizing what’s at stake. Every vote counts, and people need to understand that now.”
Hip-Hop’s Role in Political Awareness
Chuck D, known for his politically charged lyrics with Public Enemy, sees Project 2025 as a warning for the future. “Rights that people fought for, over decades, can be taken away if we don’t pay attention,” Chuck D stated. He urged the public not to be complacent. “Whether it’s women’s rights, environmental protection, or criminal justice reform, we can’t afford to sit this one out.”
Scorpio, the track’s producer, sees the song as more than just music—it’s a movement. “We were the voice of the people,” he said, referencing hip-hop’s long history as a platform for social change. “We let people know what’s going on in the world, but I think we’ve strayed from that. This track brings it back.”
The collective hopes that Project 2025 will remind listeners of the power of hip-hop and the importance of political engagement. “This isn’t just a song,” Scorpio concluded. “It’s about awareness, and that’s what hip-hop was always meant for.”