You listen when a man who's seen it all declares that he doesn't trust politicians but slams his full weight behind one. And that's what Treach, the iconic rap star from Naughty By Nature, did when he supported Ras Baraka for Governor of the State of New Jersey. And this was no celebrity photo-op or empty campaign plug.
"I did been through a lot of politicians, and I don't trust 'em," Treach says during a power-packed, unscripted moment on the Ras for Governor DJ Marathon Livestream with Hakim Green and Chuck "Jigsaw" Creekmur. But, you know, when it comes to somebody where I gotta stand for and say, this is that dude, that's only for me. I keep my word is bond."
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Before Baraka had even set foot inside City Hall, he was moving in the streets of Newark, catering to the youth and forcing troubled children to his office. At the same time, he was the principal of a different school, luring them into the fold with a helping hand from leaders like Treach.
"He was pulling me in when the kids was a wilding out," Treach said. "He was down on the ground, in the streets, bringing the people together."
Treach says that kind of real-world legwork is what sets Baraka apart. There are no suit-and-tie handshakes, no empty campaign slogans, just an open-door policy and rolled-up sleeves.
"He f** would never say, 'I don't get the time,'" Treach said. "He checks that Rolodex and say, 'Come in today at this time,' and it's been open arms since day one."
This isn't the first time Baraka's community-first attitude has made a noisy entrance. Treach cited Hakim Green's 24 Hours of Peace as proof of Baraka's reach, an annual anti-violence event modeled after Newark's local efforts. Before he even held public office, Baraka was on the bullhorn, organizing peace rallies, marching for justice, and standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the people.
"He was out there in the streets begging for peace way before we knew him at City Hall," Treach stressed.
With New Jersey's primary on June 10, Treach left no doubt about what to do: turn out and vote. Support doesn't look like a repost of a flyer or a nod; it looks like action because it means donations.
"Your vote does matter," he exhorted. "The way he's out there repping for people, actually getting cuffs put on for people, we have to be there and cast a vote so he can get the power to do a whole lot more."
Treach tied it all up with a message that resonated with New Jersey voters and anyone who has wondered what leadership might look like. This is the future of the youth, the community, the people," he said. "It ain't just Black people but for everybody. When a wild dude like Treach endorses you, it's not an endorsement.
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