DC rapper Wale came to Las Vegas on Monday to get out the vote in a pivotal swing state. While a thunderstorm kept him from performing at Global Citizen’s #ShowupVote event, he still wanted to let the people of Las Vegas know that their voices had to be heard.
And he wants people to know they can still show up for a great lineup on Tuesday with performers like Vic Mensa, Madame Gandhi, Justine Skye, and DLow at the World Market Center at 3 p.m. PT.
For Wale, voting is a way to work toward the change you want to see in the world.
“If you think your vote doesn’t count,” he told Global Citizen. “Then your complaint doesn’t count.”
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Wale has a long history of advocacy and has worked with US President Barack Obama on initiatives such as My Brother’s Keeper, gun control, and ending mass incarceration.
My Brother’s Keeper is an effort by the Obama administration to bring together leaders from the public and private sectors to promote racial justice and help young men of color overcome the systemic obstacles in their lives. Wale has worked alongside artists like Common and Janelle Monae, both of whom have performed at the Global Citizen Festival in past years.
Earlier this year, Wale became the first rapper to open the president’s State of the Union address. Obama’s love of music and eclectic taste is well known — his Spotify playlist is widely streamed — and his appreciation of Wale’s albums has led to a growing friendship. There's no doubt that Obama is looking forward to Wale's upcoming album "Shine."
Performed at the "State of the Union" .. #SOTU.. 🔵🌙 #shine on the universe . HipHop is limitless . Thank You @WhiteHouse@BarackObama
— Wale (@Wale) January 13, 2016
Wale is also committed to issues facing the country that have gained greater awareness throughout the 2016 presidential election. For instance, it looks like prison reform could be achieved in the next few years as politicians from both parties support similar measures. While gun control remains mired in political gridlock, the majority of US citizens support sensible reform. And the outrage surrounding ongoing police brutality has triggered reforms throughout the country.
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But a lot depends on the 2016 presidential election. The two leading candidates — Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton — offer contrasting plans for the future of the country.
That's why Wale showed up in Las Vegas — to help people realize their role in shaping the future of US politics.
On Tuesday, people have another chance to show up for a festive day of music, voting, and taco trucks. Nevada's early voting goes through Nov. 4, but you can cast your ballot tomorrow!