The Rt. Hon. Dizzee Rascal, Prime Minister of Great Britain

What is the power of pop-music?

After the historic election of America's first black President, it is clear that pop-music can often play a huge role in promoting change - and in this election, hip-hop played its part. By voicing and encouraging the desires of young Americans (black, white, et al.,) hip-hop served to galvanize the voters of young America into securing a victory for progress.

From Will.I.Am's 'Yes We Can' , to the ringing endorsements of all the major players in hip-hop - including Jay Z ("Rosa Parks sat so Martin Luther King could walk. Martin Luther King walked so Obama could run. Obama's running so we all can fly",)Kanye West, Common, T Pain, Talib Kweili, and Ludacris (not that he helped all that much,) hip-hop consistently supported Obama's victory.

But the point I'm trying to make is that music is a frivolity. But it is also incredibly persuasive, influential and important. So much so, that even the serious people sometimes need to pay attention.

Aled

(P.S. I really wish Dizzee had begun the interview with "Whasupdarlin!?")