Anti-violence group praises Snoop's message in open letter.
Between his explicit lyrics and his love of herbal remedies, Snoop Dogg is usually not a favored person on Capitol Hill. But his latest track, "No Guns Allowed," seems to have made him a hero to influential group League of Young Voters.
The track, which references the increasing gun violence and the recent mass shootings in Newtown, Connecticut, inspired the League's Executive Director Rob Baker to pen an open letter to the multi-platinum artist.
"You have stepped up to say that enough is enough when it comes to gun violence," writes Baker. "You’re right — our daughters and sons are losing their minds. Every hour, four people in the United States are killed by firearms. While that’s a heartbreaking statistic, I am so inspired that you are using your platform to speak up about the nation’s violence issue."
Baker, who was a hip hop journalist before he transitioned to politics, praises Snoop for spreading a message of peace despite his roots in gangsta rap and the violence of Southern California street culture. It "couldn't have been an easy decision to use your art in this way," he acknowledges.
The youth advocate believes Snoop's words can inspire legislative action on anti-violence, despite the fact that gun regulations have been hopelessly gridlocked in Congress, and has even launched a campaign to get young people to speak up on the issue. "We are committed to helping make the ‘No Guns Allowed’ message a movement and we’re starting by asking our friends, colleagues, supporters and celebrities like yourself to take a pledge to end violence by texting PEACE to 69866," says Baker.
Snoop has already spoken out in favor of gay marriage and supported Michelle Obama's health initiative by raising funds for urban farming, but with this track he joins the ranks of hip hop stars with influential Washington connections. Maybe this will help land him an invitation to the White House?
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(Photo: Jason Merritt/Getty Images)
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