The Ghost, Broadstreet Bully, Philadelphia Freeway, and more—it’s a dream team on one album—a 2000s rap fan’s dream team. Hip-hop’s most formidable lyricists are uniting as Election Day approaches to encourage others to make an impact at the polls through a politically driven project.
A group of emcees, including members of The Roots, State Property, and The Infamous’s solidarity, is influencing communities to get out and use their voices for the most important day of the year. This initiative, called Vote or Else, is not just a musical collaboration; it serves as a rallying cry for change.
On Friday, November 1, the collective released a compelling eight-track EP featuring some of hip-hop’s most influential artists and lyrical heavyweights. Led by Marvin Bing of Mobilize Justice and Pastor Mike McBride of Black Church PAC, this project aims to inspire listeners to raise their voices and make their votes count.
The EP opens with the hard-hitting single “Still Here,” a track showcasing Benny The Butcher, Jay Electronica, Freeway, and Black Thought. Each artist’s verse brings a fierce urgency to the call for social justice. Further along, legends like Bun B, Havoc of Mobb Deep, Styles P, and Beanie Sigel deliver insightful verses focused on the power of civic engagement.
Marvin Bing, who served as executive producer, explains the project’s vision: “Culture has always been, and will always be, a defining force—a way to connect people, places, issues, and communities. We knew that through our culture, our sound, and our language, we could reach those who feel overlooked or disconnected from the political conversation.”
Alongside Bing, Pastor McBride and Chace Infinite guided the project, with A&R contributions from Wayne “Wayno” Clark, while Shaheem Reid and Perfect Storm worked as associate producers. The EP also features artists of the current generation, such as Smoke DZA, Westside Boogie, Boldy James, Symba, Trillian (Busta Rhymes’ son), and Jaewon (Jadakiss’ son), each delivering verses that emphasize unity and the importance of voting. Producers like Havoc, Helluva, Chris Store, Playa Haze, and Plu20 Nash provide intense instrumentals, amplifying the weight of the project’s message.
Reflecting on his role in the EP, Havoc expressed the collective mission behind Vote or Else: “We’re doing our part. These artists want to talk about real issues, about standing with our communities. Now’s the time for brothers and sisters to unite, educate, stand up for what we need, and use our voices and votes to make it happen. It’s truly Vote or Else!”
Vote or Else is available everywhere via Harun LLC. Election Day is on Tuesday, November 5.
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