Rangel Rap Ain’t All That
Rep. Charles B. Rangel has released a career-recapping rap ahead of Tuesday’s primary.
The last-minute attempt at shoring up the New York Democrat’s street cred isn’t completely terrible.
Yes, the background remains frozen on the campaign’s dull but clearly needed get-out-the-vote instructions rather than flipping through, say, nostalgic images of Rangel’s four decades on Capitol Hill. And the lyrics — main chorus: “If you gonna vote, you gonna vote for da Rangel/Charlie-Charlie-Charlie Rangel!” — could sound a bit more inspired. (Team Rangel did not respond to emails seeking information as to who penned and performed the supportive ditty.)
But the background chimes are hauntingly beautiful. And the song is jam-packed with information about Rangel’s upbringing, military exploits and political accomplishments.
Still, the jingle lacks the grittiness of the anthemic rhymes Memphis-based rapper Al Kapone spit for then-House hopeful Dr. George Flinn (the aspiring politico is attempting to knock off Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., this time around ) during the previous cycle.
We dare say Rangel’s ballad isn’t even as heartfelt as the shout out teen rapper “LC” gave Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., a few years back.
Then again, the Rangel tune is music to our ears when compared with the incredibly grating paean “uncoolness” advocate Agatha Kulesza put together to (unsuccessfully) try and push Marianne Williamson across the primary goal line in California’s wide open 33rd District earlier this month.
Check yo’ self, fools!