Jay-Z, Russell Simmons Endorse Obama, Mos Def Responds

by Jarrett Martineau | March 3, 2008 at 04:25 pm

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Another day, another will.i.am "o-bam-a" celebrity chant video and a few more high-profile names added to the list of Obamaniacs. This is rock star power rocked on both sides.

Hip-Hop moguls Jay-Z and Russell Simmons got deep into the 2008 political process by endorsing Senator Barack Obama in his bid for President.

The Brooklyn MC made a call for change via an automated phone message encouraging voters to support Obama in tomorrow's primaries. "Bring your friends and families make sure your voices are heard for change," "Jay-Z said. "It's time for change. It's time for Barack Obama." [Listen here]

Meanwhile, according to the Associated Press, Simmons said Sunday (March 2) he was inspired by the diversity among supporters of the Illinois senator.

"Obama has built an unprecedented national movement of people from all ethnic, racial, political, social and economic backgrounds," read a news release from the Def Jam founder.

Previously Simmons, who says he's an independent, had been undecided about who to vote for in the upcoming presidential race.

Hip-hop artist and actor Mos Def has also weighed in with an incisive, if self-evident, observation: America is vain. America likes good-looking things and good-looking people. Hence, America likes the good-looking Barack Obama.

In related news, known Obama supporter Mos Def recently voiced his opinion on why the Illinois senator has been so popular.

"America's too vain, and he appeals to America's sense of vanity," Mos Def told Rolling Stone. "It's the A & R guy in me . . . when I saw him on the cover of Men's Vogue, I said, 'This guy's gonna win because he looks good.' So, the best-looking guy for the job is a black guy. I'm cool with that. People also want a rock-star quality to the president, which he has."

Do you agree?