Posted November 4, 2008- Hip hop’s political presence is strong. And on the eve of what seems to be the culmination of our nations first African American president, hip hop is sounding off on democratic hopeful, Senator Barack Obama. For the last 12 months hip hop heroes, Nas, Diddy, Kevin Liles, Fabolous, Bow Wow Russell Simmons, LL Cool J and a fleet of others have been campaigning, rhyming, and discussing what may be one of the most historic moments in American history.

While the votes have yet to be tallied, in the same breath, hip hoppers have called this moment “unbelievable and unprecedented”. And though Obama has yet to clinch the position, Brooklyn MC, Fabolous, is already congratulating the senator on a battle well fought, “Congratulations man, he pulled off the unbelievable”, Fab told BET.com Thursday night. “At this point, seeing a black man ahead at the polls is a remarkable thing and I never thought I would see that in my lifetime.”

In addition to the riveting support from the hip hop community, Kim Osorio, former EIC for The Source Magazine, insists that the initial push for Barack will only encourage the youth to be more aware of the political environment, “I’m very impressed and happy about it. I’m optimistic that this movement will jump start our artists getting into more political issues and things like that,” Osorio proclaimed.

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However, the consistent support for Obama has left the former editor wondering if today’s hip hop spectators are truly behind the Senator for the right reasons and not because of what their favorite artists is dictating to them, “I think they need to pay more attention,” Kim explained. “Not just by watching videos or listening to music, but really paying attention to what’s out in the media; reading newspapers, making sure they’re aware and not just believing what you’re favorite artist is saying”.

Bow Wow, who became the face of the youth vote with his 15 city trek in support of spreading awareness for Election Day, felt like it was not only his responsibility to speak for the youth, but also, speak directly to them. Bow Wow said of his political involvement, "It’s different when it’s coming from someone who walks like you, dresses like you, and understands the youth because no one understands the youth like the youth,” Bow said enthusiastically.

And since his hip hop elders have been campaigning for sometime now, his 15 city excursion was an idea conceived on his own merit, “I feel good because I put that pressure on my back to walk across America; I did that to myself,"he explained."Since they needed the youth to vote so bad and you see guys like Puff creating these campaigns, which is cool to watch them do, but they’re old enough to be our fathers so it’s like listening to another parent.”

Ben Chavis, chairman of the Hip Hop Action Summit Network, who’s been very boisterous and instrumental in encouraging the hip hop community to voice their opinion, is extremely proud of the turn out and insists the youth will be the deciding factor in this year’s election “I think the youth/hip hop vote is going to make the critical difference,” he laminated.But healso explained the presence of the youth vote in certain key states will shift a lot of things around, “This year, that’s going to be the most determining factor in Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina, Missouri, Florida; the key swing states. Young people, those that have done early voting, 80% of the new early votes are young votes and they’re really making a big difference.”

Check out these exclusive photos from The Source Magazine and The Hip Hop Action Summit Network's, "I AM C.H.A.N.G.E.", Get Out The Vote Party, right here!