Ras Baraka Kicks Off Star-Studded Hip-Hop DJ Marathon to Mobilize NJ Voters
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka headlines a star-studded Hip-Hop DJ livestream this Sunday night as cultural figures launch efforts to mobilize voters ahead of New Jersey’s June 10 primary.
Dubbed the Ras for Governor DJ Marathon, the five-hour virtual event brings together influential Hip-Hop artists to generate energy around Baraka’s campaign for the state’s top office.
The broadcast begins at 7 p.m. on Sunday, June 8, streaming on @AllHipHop’s Instagram and at AllHipHop.com. Channel Live’s Hakim Green, Roc Nation engineer Young Guru and AllHipHop co-founder Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur assembled a roster that blends music, movement and political advocacy in one evening.
The lineup features DJ luminaries DJ D-Nice, Chuck D, Eric B and Young Guru spinning exclusive sets. Special guests include Marlon Wayans, rapper Mysonne Linen, Naughty by Nature member Vinnie Brown and journalist Touré, among others.
Organizers say the goal is boosting turnout for Baraka’s campaign in the final stretch before New Jersey’s June 10 primary.
Activist and rapper Mysonne Linen praised Baraka’s ties to the community. “When we talk about what we want—leaders that represent us properly, that come from where we come from, that have the same core values—he is the epitome of that,” Mysonne Linen said. “He stands on business, he’s fair, he’s honest, he’s culturally relevant, and he identifies with what’s going on in the streets.”
Vinnie Brown added perspective on the candidate’s practical knowledge. “We need politicians like Ras, who are on the front lines, who know how the system works and can interpret and articulate it back to our community in a way that we can understand.”
Baraka, mayor of Newark, has built a reputation by merging progressive policy goals with neighborhood needs, drawing on roots shaped by his father, writer-activist Amiri Baraka.
AllHipHop co-founder Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur highlighted Baraka’s approach. “Ras Baraka is not just a typical politician who seeks to hold power, but someone who seeks to empower others,” Creekmur said. “He doesn’t just tow the line—he holds the line.”
Channel Live’s Hakim Green pointed to broader challenges. “As we see powers in high places openly oppressing the little guy, the people of New Jersey need an openly progressive governor with a history of fighting back.”
Baraka’s campaign platform features plans for economic justice, healthcare access and housing equity. His key proposals include:
- Housing for All: create 200,000 affordable homes through modern zoning reforms and subsidies for first-time buyers.
- Transportation Upgrades: improve transit infrastructure with no new fees placed on working families.
- Economic Empowerment: raise the minimum wage, establish a state-backed public bank and expand grants plus loan relief for students.
- Healthcare as a Right: extend state insurance programs, cap hospital costs and reduce medical expenses for everyday residents.
Sunday night’s marathon highlights Hip-Hop’s impact and ranks among the state’s largest cultural efforts for a governor’s campaign.
Primary Election Day in New Jersey takes place on Tuesday, June 10. The DJ Marathon streams Sunday, June 8 from 7 p.m. to midnight on Instagram (@AllHipHop) and at AllHipHop.com.
