December 15, 2008 12:02
'Barack Obama can change hip-hop' claims rapper
Common says the next US president will influence artists
Barack Obama is set to change hip-hop and encourage acts to find new sound, rapper Common has claimed.
The Chicago artist said that hip-hop music was already changing and reflecting the influence of the next US president.
Common told CNN: "I really do believe we as hip-hop artists pick up what's going on in the world."
The star suggested the genre would have to reflect the positive message the president-elect adopted during his campaign.
"I think hip-hop artists will have no choice but to talk about different things and more positive things," he said. "Try to bring a brighter side to that because, even before Barack, I think people had been tired of hearing the same thing."
Visit NME Video for the latest music videos and artist interviews
You may need to upgrade your Flash Player
You can download the latest flash plugin here.
If you have installed flash but keep getting this message:
1. Try to bypass flash plugin detection here.
2. Ensure you have javascript enabled in your browser.
3. Try using Firefox
Listen to more Free Music at we7.com
Comments do not always reflect the views of NME, or IPC Media, for guidelines visit our Ts & Cs page