More Rappers We'd Like to See at Occupy Wall Street

Stars who'd have a big impact piping up the protest.

More Rappers We'd Like to See at Occupy Wall Street - Hip hop often veers back and forth between partying and politics (along with other less printable "p" words). Is the music going back in a difference-making direction again? Maybe: Earlier this week, Kanye West and Russell Simmons showed up at the Occupy Wall Streets protests in New York's Zucotti Park; late last week, Talib Kweli hit the park and performed "Distraction." Lupe Fiasco and Immortal Technique headed downtown to lend their support weeks ago. But as the "Occupy" movement starts to pick up steam, there have been some notable absences. Some rappers we'd expect to align with protesters have been MIA; others who'd have a big impact by piping up haven't. Read on to see other rappers we'd to see at Occupy Wall Street.(Kanye/Russell Photo: E. Hall/INFphoto.com, Talib Photo: Astrid Stawiarz/Get...

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More Rappers We'd Like to See at Occupy Wall Street - Hip hop often veers back and forth between partying and politics (along with other less printable "p" words). Is the music going back in a difference-making direction again? Maybe: Earlier this week, Kanye West and Russell Simmons showed up at the Occupy Wall Streets protests in New York's Zucotti Park; late last week, Talib Kweli hit the park and performed "Distraction." Lupe Fiasco and Immortal Technique headed downtown to lend their support weeks ago. But as the "Occupy" movement starts to pick up steam, there have been some notable absences. Some rappers we'd expect to align with protesters have been MIA; others who'd have a big impact by piping up haven't. Read on to see other rappers we'd to see at Occupy Wall Street.(Kanye/Russell Photo: E. Hall/INFphoto.com, Talib Photo: Astrid Stawiarz/Get...

Worst: Common Caught in White House Controversy - It was an innocent invitation that sparked a battle between the parties. Senate Republicans got their drawers in a twist when First Lady Michelle Obama invited Common to recite poetry at the White House this past May, citing some objectionable lyrics in a couple of the poet/rapper/activist's works. A cable news war ensued, with Common succinctly declaring "I guess Sarah Palin and Fox News doesn't like me." (Photo: Jesse Grant/Getty Images)

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Common - This was an easy one. Com's already addressed economic inequalities and social justice in his rhymes several times in his career. Earlier this year, he was even a target for right-wing vitriol for some of his views. His boy Talib's already been down to Wall Street. Com's in New York all the time, and there have even been affiliated protests in his Chicago hometown. whats the hold-up, Common?  (Photo: Jesse Grant/Getty Images)

Photo By Jesse Grant/Getty Images

Eminem - "Without Me" The Eminem Show (2002)  - "No I'm not the first king of controversy. I am the worst thing since Elvis Presley, to do black music so selfishly and used it to get wealthy." \r \rEm likens himself to the second coming of Elvis in the 2002 song "Without Me" off The Eminem Show. \r \r(Photo by Frank Micelotta/Getty Images)

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Eminem - Em has gotten political many times in the past, from his George Bush–attacking "Mosh" to "We as Americans," so we're pretty sure he's in the protesters' corner. Plus, his appearance at the "occupation" would drive his long-time right-wing critics crazy. (Photo: Frank Micelotta/Getty Images)

Chuck D: August 1 - The frontman for the legendary rap group Public Enemy turns 50.(Photo credit: Theo Wargo/Getty Images)

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Chuck D - As front man of Public Enemy, hip-hop's most politically impactul group ever, Chuck D almost certainly supports Occupy Wall Street's goals. Will we see him show-up at Zucotti Park in person? Hopefully.(Photo: Theo Wargo/Getty Images)

Photo By Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images

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Jay-Z - "I'm Che Guevara with bling on, I'm complex." Jay has long straddled the line between lefty politics and get-money capitalism, both in his rhymes and as a major Obama supporters. As the richest man in hip hop and a CEO in his own right, Hov's appearance at the anti-corporate protests would in the least make for a fascinating juxtaposition—and conversation. (Photo: AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

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Game - "The first time I heard Snoop Dogg's music I knew he would be the best west coast rapper ever." (Photo: Peter Kramer/Getty Images)

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Game - Game's label is called Black Wall Street—it would be all too appropriate for the Compton MC to camp out downtown and help make that name a reality. (Photo: Peter Kramer/Getty Images)

Making Moves\r - Mos Def recently joined the cast of the hit Showtime series Dexter, with Michael C. Hall as a serial killer with a conscience. Here Mos, aka Dante Smith, speaks at a panel for the show at Comic Con held at the San Diego Convention Center. (Photo by Wendy Redfern/Redferns)

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Mos Def - In his rhymes, Mos Def has never held his tongue when it comes to capitalism, poverty and the powers-that-be, so we're surprised he didn't head across the river to Zucotti Park with his old friend and collaborator Kweli. (Photo: Wendy Redfern/Redferns)

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Lil Wayne - Seeing Weezy, the hottest rapper in the game, at the protests would bring tons of much-needed media attention to the cause.  (Photo:  Frank Micelotta/PictureGroup)

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Diddy - What does Diddy, who Forbes predicts will become hip hop's first billionaire, think of the protesters' attacks on economic inequality? Would Diddy's high-profile support of the occupation be embraced, or rejected due to unabashedly materialistic music and image? We'd love to find out. (Photo: Scott Gries/PictureGroup)

Philly State of Mind - Rapper Nas also reps at the 4th Annual Roots Picnic on June 4.(Photo by Terrence Jennings/PictureGroup)

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Nas - Nas has often talked the talk, attacking the powers that be in his rhymes. Marching alongside protesters in downtown Manhattan would be the perfect way for him to walk the walk—literally.(Photo: Terrence Jennings/PictureGroup)