Hip-hop is down with Barack Obama

NEW YORK, Aug. 19 (UPI) -- Democratic presidential contender Barack Obama may not be leading in the national polls, but the senator has won the hearts of the nation's hip-hop community.

Vibe magazine has even dubbed him "B-Rock," CNN reported Sunday.

Despite Obama having been critical of rap music in the past, his name is popping up in singles and Web sites across the country.

In “The People,” a new single from Common, the rapper says: "My raps ignite the people like Obama," while an "Obama '08" bumper sticker flashes during the music video.

"He's fresh, you know, he's got good style," Common told CNN. "As far as people in my age group and people that love hip-hop, there's a love for Obama. He represents progress. He represents what hip-hop is about. Hip-hop is about progress, the struggle."

Popular New York rapper Talib Kweli’s "Say Something," also contains a verse where he says: "Speak to the people like Barack Obama."