Candidate Kennedy collaborates with convicts on rap release

Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. has stirred up a storm of debate with his latest endeavor: a rap release titled “Standing on Bidness,” in collaboration with a lineup of hip-hop heavyweights, several of whom are violent criminals.

While Kennedy frames it as a groundbreaking move in political engagement, critics are raising eyebrows at his association with convicted felons, questioning the implications for his candidacy.

Kennedy’s campaign asserts that the track aims to unite music lovers and voters under a message of community empowerment and political participation.

Kennedy said the collaboration with a slate of influential artists — including Jazze Pha, Drumma Boy, and Team Kennedy’s social media manager Rijoun Murphy — signifies a groundbreaking move in his presidential campaign.

However, observers are particularly troubled by Kennedy’s alignment with individuals such as Boosie, Turk, and right-wing figure Angela Stanton King, all of whom have criminal records.

Boosie, also known as Torrance Ivy Hatch Jr., has a history marked by drug and gun charges, and while he was acquitted of murder, prosecutors suspect his involvement in other violent incidents.

Turk, whose real name is Tab Virgil Jr., served time for shooting two police officers during a narcotics raid.

Stanton King was a felony conviction related to a car theft ring.

Kennedy’s collaboration with these individuals has sparked concern about the optics of associating with convicted criminals, especially in the context of a presidential campaign.

Critics argue that such partnerships could overshadow Kennedy’s message of community empowerment and raise questions about his judgment.

Despite the controversy, Kennedy remains committed to his collaboration, emphasizing its significance in bridging the gap between political endeavors and community outreach through music. However, the ethical implications of these associations continue to draw scrutiny as Kennedy navigates his presidential bid.

The campaign said the track aims to unite music lovers and voters alike under a message of community empowerment and political participation but observers questioned his association with convicted felons Boosie, Turk, and right-wing bigot Angela Stanton King.

By joining forces with producers CasshhJay and A.N.T. Productions, Kennedy showcases his dedication to bridging the gap between political endeavors and community outreach through the powerful and unifying medium of music.

The song, recorded in Atlanta at PatchWerk Recording studios, is more than a regional anthem; it resonates with listeners across the country, symbolizing the bridge between the political sphere and the citizens it serves.

The campaign claims the song is a statement that echoes its message of prioritizing the needs and voices of the people above traditional party lines.

Drumma Boy emphasized the inspirational goal of the collaboration: “We want to inspire people to uplift the community as well as the government to serve us! We gotta meet each other halfway and together, we’re standing on bidness.”

In celebration of the song’s release and its powerful message, Team Kennedy invites the public to a special X Spaces event tonight at 7:30 p.m. ET. This will be a unique opportunity to hear directly from Kennedy and the iconic artists behind the music.

“Standing on Bidness” is available for streaming on all major platforms. Listeners are encouraged to tune in and become part of the movement that harmonizes political action with the transformative power of music.

Torrance Ivy Hatch Jr., better known by his stage name Boosie BadAzz or simply Boosie, was sent to prison on drug and gun charges in 2009, and the following year he was indicted on first-degree murder in the shooting of 35-year-old Terry Boyd.

Although he was found not guilty of Boyd’s murder, prosecutors believe the rapper may have been involved in at least five other slayings.

The Louisiana rapper was arrested by ATF agents last year, after he was seen on Instagram carrying a Glock-19 pistol, and the firearm was found with him in a vehicle stopped by San Diego police.

In what Kennedy’s campaign termed a display of dedication to grassroots advocacy, Boosie said, “I’m standing on business for my community. It’s about tangible actions and support that uplift our people, beyond whoever occupies the Oval Office.”

Tab Virgil Jr., better known by his stage name Turk, served an eight-year sentence for shooting two Memphis, Tennessee police officers with a 9mm handgun on January 26, 2004.

“Until we change, we will never see change. We have to do what’s uncomfortable to be comfortable,” said Turk, reflecting the song’s call to action.

While executing a search warrant after an informant told narcotics officers that heroin was being stored at the residence of the rapper’s girlfriend, Erica McClain, Shelby County Sheriff’s Deputy Chris Harris was shot in the jaw, hip, and leg and Shelby County Sheriff’s Deputy Jason Pagenkopf was shot in the neck, by Virgil, who was also convicted for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

In 2004, Stanton-King was convicted on federal conspiracy charges for her role in a car theft ring and served two years in prison.

She gave birth to a daughter while serving her sentence and was pardoned by then-President Donald Trump in February 2020, about a month before she launched a campaign to challenge civil rights icon John Lewis in Georgia’s 5th congressional district.

After Lewis died from pancreatic cancer on July 17, 2020, he was replaced on the ballot by Nikema Williams, who soundly defeated the Republican former felon Stanton-King, who defended the series of tweets explicitly disparaging LGBTQ people that earned her widespread criticism.

“We’re standing on business for our community. Completely done with Republicans and Democrats. People over Party!” said Stanton King, who previously compared the LGBTQ movement to pedophilia.