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2 Chainz, Rosario Dawson celebrate youth vote at Hip Hop Ball
The ball gowns and tuxedos seemed too delicate for the booming vibrations of music at the VIP lounge, but the guests didn't seem to mind. At the Hip-Hop Inaugural Ball, it's all part of the party.
Attendees of the event included 2 Chainz, John Legend, Eva Longoria, Rosario Dawson, LaLa Anthony, Doug E. Fresh, Swizz Beatz, Pharrell Williams, Jadakiss and Brandy.
While it might seem unnatural at first, hip hop and politics are a natural fit, attendees say.
Civil-rights leader Benjamin Chavis said hip hop helped young voters show up in record numbers, and that they would push the political agenda over the next four years.
"Young people want to stack their favor, and they want to invest in things — they want to invest in themselves," he said. "That's what hip hop is all about."
By connecting to America’s youth, music helped “give a voice to the voiceless,” said Terrence J, an actor, entrepreneur and "E! News" co-host.
“When you look at politics as a whole — the country as a whole — pop has always been a voice for those without a voice. It’s always spoken for those in socially and economically-deprived areas.”
On the red carpet, rapper 2 Chainz agreed. Standing at 6 feet, 5 inches and in a tuxedo and bow tie, he said he was excited to be in Washington for the celebration.
“Once you get a certain stature, you should use that platform to help lift,” he says. “I tried to use my story to try and help other people’s lives.”
And while “Sin City” super-star Rosario Dawson acknowledged the celebration behind the second inauguration, she said activists were prepared for upcoming policy challenges — including efforts on education and student loans, gun control, mental illness and creating opportunities for high-skilled job growth.
“I’m looking forward to the people not just disappearing ... and holding people’s feet to the fire,” she said. “This is what we voted for and this is what we want.”
Dawson attended the ball as the founder of Voto Latino, a nonprofit organization that empowers Hispanics to vote and encourages them to take part in the policy debate.
On Sunday, she said she’s heard the Obama administration is ready to “hit the ground running,” praising the president for being “able to multi-task.”
As for running for office, Dawson says she much prefers her job on the sidelines.
“I don’t really like running, you know, I get shin splints,” she said with a laugh.
Rosario Dawson at the Hip Hop ball
