According to DC News Now, Democratic representatives held a press conference yesterday (2/14) to announce the formation of the first Congressional Hip-Hop Task Force. "Hip-Hop is not just music, it's an artform," said Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y.) who led the task force. "It's a culture with a multi-billion dollar economy, but we haven't harnessed the power of it yet, to make transformative change in legislation."

Policy chair for Black Music Action Coalition, Shay Lawson spoke about the objectives of the organization and how they align with the Hip-Hop Task Force. “We are committed to utilizing the cultural capital of black music to influence the music industry and greater society on the issues of racial justice and equity through policy, philanthropic and educational initiatives” Lawson explained.

Rep. Jamaal Bowman told The Hill that artists like Queen Latifah, Public Enemy, and Eric B. & Rakim inspired him in his formative years, and the formation of the task force was born of that inspiration. “They were very instrumental in creating a curriculum and blueprint for my life,” Bowman said. “I owe a lot of who I am to the lessons that they taught me on and through their music.”