Politics

So What If Trey Radel Listens To Hip-Hop?

Florida Congressman Trey Radel's affinity for hip-hop music often comes up in media reports about his substance abuse. But is it relevant?

So What If Trey Radel Listens To Hip-Hop?
Office of Congressman Trey Radel / Twitter / @MrChuckD
Article by Jamal Andress
SMS
November 21, 2013

Do you know Anthony Weiner's favorite genre of music? How about Toronto Mayor Rob Ford? No?

Well, that's odd because it seems extremely relevant to the cocaine smoking, self-proclaimed alcoholic congressman from Florida Trey Radel. (Via Los Angeles Times, The Atlantic, U.S. News & World Report, The Christian Post)

"A tea party darling and self professed hip-hop congressman ... He's also boasted of his love for rap music."

 

"All in all, a devastating day for the hip-hop-loving first-term conservative." (Via ABC)

"Radel, who calls himself a hip-hop conservative ... " (Via HLN)

"Congressman Trey Radel is the self-proclaimed hip-hop conservative." (Via MSNBC)

Tuesday, Republican Florida Congressman Trey Radel pleaded guilty to cocaine possession. 

"I've let down our country, I've let down our constituents, I've let down my family." (Via MSNBC)

Which — rightfully so — plunged the congressman into the spotlight, but for some reason, his choice in music became a seemingly relevant tidbit of information. If you're wondering where all this "hip-hop conservative" stuff came from, well, there are a few places. 

One, his Twitter page, where he has "Hip Hop Conservative" written in his bio, and he occasionally gives a rap recommendation or two. 

He also wrote a piece in BuzzFeed explaining his love for hip-hop where he says, in part: "My love of hip hop never ceased and included the aforementioned Chuck D of Public Enemy. ... I find a conservative message in 'Fight the Power' because I believe when government expands it becomes a political tool meant to oppress."

But the big question is: Why does Congressman Radel's music choice matter? We don't think it does.