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How TIDAL X inspired the youth to get to the polls and Rock the Vote
On Monday night TIDAL and Rock the Vote collabed to create a benefit concert promoting Voting in the upcoming elections. The night was jam-packed with stars, multiple surprise performances and real informational data on voting rights.
All the net proceeds went to support voter registration, education, and rights. Miss Dominican Republic 2015 Clarissa Molina and Power 105.1’s, Angie Martinez hosted the night, repeating the urgency for young people to vote. The benefit concert was in Brooklyn’s Barclays Center.
The Headliners
Dermot Kennedy kicked off the night with beautiful vocals. Dutch singer Nicole Bus livened up the crowd while relaying the message for young people to go out and exercise their right to vote.
Other performers included Doja Cat and newcomers like Lucky Daye. The energy was high as Gashi reminded the crowd to follow their dreams after sharing that RocNation just signed him.
Lil Tecca briefly performed his hit “Ransom.” Latin American group CNCO did a routine on par with the boy bands of the 2000s. DJ Carnage woke the crowd up with known dance-worthy bops.
Other artists included Moneybagg Yo, Casanova and Angelica Vila.
French Montana performed several of his most popular tracks including “No Stylist” and “Unforgettable.” Ty Dolla $ign decided to extend his performance by going into the crowd and starting to offer something to the “loudest motherfucker in here” until his mic was cut off.
Young M.A. got one of the most cheers when she was announced. The Brooklyn rapper brought her talent and sex appeal with “Ooouuu” and her latest hit”Big.” Lil Uzi Vert was the only performer who had added security as he was the closing act ending with “XO Tour Llif3.”
The shout outs that night went out to Brooklyn and the Latinx community which showed up in droves. Alicia Keys paid homage to Biggie with her rendition of “Juicy” and brought out beloved Brooklynite Leikeli47 and exceptional voguers during her performance.
Farruko had the crowd bopping to Latinx songs old and new. Becky G brought her musical talent and dance moves and made sure to remind the audience about the importance of voting.
The Surprise Performances
A$AP Ferg was the first surprise guest. Hearing the beginning of “Wam” and brought Barclays to their feet with screams of excitement. Fat Joe followed Angelica Vila, introducing her as his protégé.
Flipp Dinero performed his iconic “Leave Me Alone” song. H.E.R. gave an earth-shattering performance which included a cover of Michael Jackson’s “Earth Song.” The singer-songwriter at times playing the guitar behind her back.
Messages of the Night
Tidal X Rock the Vote’s recurring messages included what young voters were concerned with most. Immigration reform the student debt crisis, voting rights, gun violence and affordable healthcare were all topics touched on by the promos. The issues were distinctly progressive.
This was not surprising considering most young people are progressives and most POC are typically left-leaning.
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The Opps
The elephant in the room was either intentionally avoided or simply forgotten. Donald Trump was only referred to once by G-Easy. During his performance, the rapper exclaimed “Fuck Trump.”
The sentiment was not completely ignored by the hostesses. Angie Martinez told young people to vote against the people limiting their rights. The sentiment likely referring to conservatives, the republican party and of course their current leader, the president.
The Goal
The urgency of voting was brought up throughout the night by promos and entertainers alike. The truth is that high young voter turnout could transform the government and its policies.
The event also provided postcards to be mailed out when the voting season approaches to remind you and your friends to vote. The youth truly could make America a great place to live for all demographics especially those neglected time and again by the powerful.
Change can truly happen if we fight together and exercise the few rights we do have to gain more.