Barack Obama: New Music Video Sensation

By Karu F. Daniels, BlackVoices.com

Last year, a scantily clad would-be-video vixen shook up the viral video scene with a satirical profession of her adoration for Senator Barack Obama.

On the eve of the big city primaries, a treasure trove of real celebrities lent their likenesses to an approved music video clip, which has garnered millions of hits just days after appearing on the web.

'Yes We Can,' the brainchild of Black Eyed Peas front-man Will.I.Am and director Jesse Dylan, is a clip gathering nearly 40 celebrities – including John Legend, Herbie Hancock, Hill Harper, Kate Walsh, Tracee Ellis Ross, Tatyana Ali, Aisha Tyler, Common, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Nick Cannon, Nicole Scherzinger, Fonzworth Bentley, and the luscious lipped Scarlett Johansson – speaking, singing and playing along to the historic speech that Obama recited during his history making Jan.8 New Hampshire primary nigh event.

"I was never really big on politics ... and actually, I'm still not big on politics," Will.I.Am wrote on the blog promoting the song. "But the outcome of the last two elections has saddened me ... on how unfair, backwards, upside down, unbalanced, untruthful, corrupt and just simply, how wrong the world and politics are. ... So this year I wanted to get involved and do all I could, early."Citing the historic night in New Hampshire as his motivation, the Los Angeles native (real name: William James Adams, Jr.) said he felt "captivated" and "inspired."

"I reflected on my life and the blessings I have and the people who fought for me to have these rights and blessings. And I'm not talking about a 'black thing,' I'm talking about a 'human thing.' Me as a 'person,' an American."

"I hope this song will make you feel love and think and be inspired just like the speech inspired me," he concluded.

See the groundbreaking clip below...

Reader Comments

1. This video sent chills up my spine and I got very emotional. It reminds me of the We Are The World video. Very inspirational and uplifting. I'm convinced Obama will make an excellent President for ALL of the people.

YES WE CAN

BABS at 1:22AM on Feb 5th 2008

2. I should offer a song called, "Where's my Cut?" The "We Can" slogan was offered on June 1, 2004 to the DNC and the Kerry Campaign before Obama delivered his memorable "Keynote Address!" What sickens me about politics is Democrats had the "Winning Message" and the key endorsements in 2004. Democrats were cruising to victory and the effort was wrecked. Who fires their campaign advisor so late in the game? We had John Edwards camped out in Ohio. The Young Democrats and Oprah's Group were challenged to listen to a Hip Hop Political Radio Show featuring all the above artists. Where's my cut? Thank God, I still have it all on tape. Thank God, I've got the works in the public record. I'm the Democratic Karl Rove and I'm getting dissed by everyone! By the grace of God, one person can make a difference. Hey Mo Roca, it's me!

Cecil Jones at 7:45AM on Feb 5th 2008

3. "OBAMA 2008"

This comment is for Cecil Jones. On every BV BLOG that you are on, you think you deserve all the "CREDIT", "WRONG". Cecil This is not about "YOU", "BOO", "BOO"!

In my book, you don't deserve a "CUT" for "NOTHING". Who cares about you have footage and so forth. I'm sure everyone else agrees!

Anyway, The video moved me and also gave me chills. Good marketing! No matter who you are, people will get this message, "Yes We Can",elect "OBAMA" to be the next president for "Change"! I know, "OBAMA" will be the next president and make a "CHANGE" for our country!

YES WE CAN!

Ms. "Tell it Like it IZ" at 8:16AM on Feb 5th 2008

4. This is BEAUTIFUL!! I was almost in tears. Not only to see a positive black man doing so well but to see the unity that is coming because of it. Black people who felt like their vote didn't matter are now ready to stand in line and cast their vote. Die hard Republicans are taking a second look at what their political party has to offer. It's a blessing to see people look beyond the color of skin and beyond political party to actually looking at the issues and feeling like their one vote really makes a difference.
God bless you, Mr. President Obama.

LaTisha at 9:11AM on Feb 5th 2008

5. I Love the concept of this video.... very creative and original.

Lisa at 9:29AM on Feb 5th 2008

6. I think many in our nation will agree that this election has the potential to be a history-making, ground breaking event. I love to see our people get involved in the process, to decide to raise the collective voice of those whose ancestors built this country brick by brick. I know the word "inspired" has been used a great deal by those responding to this video, but I truly was. There are very few people in this country that don't know what's at stake, and I believe future President Obama is both aware of what needs to be done and is capable of accomplishing those tasks.

Sopretti at 9:44AM on Feb 5th 2008

7. I love this video. It is very soul moving! "Yes We Can".

Shirley Brown at 9:46AM on Feb 5th 2008

8. ...hm...crying...gimme a minute...

ikrazydelitei at 10:13AM on Feb 5th 2008

9. YOU HAD BETTER BELIEVE WE CAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WISE ONE at 10:57AM on Feb 5th 2008

10. I"m proud of Obama and i'm proud of this video!

Robin at 1:11PM on Feb 5th 2008

11. yes we can, it is up to us, I believe in all of you. I trust you. I forgive you. Love and Hope.

clara at 2:17PM on Feb 5th 2008

12. This video is powerful! It has strengthened my existance to be an American, and to vote for this Man.
No disrespect to Mrs. Hilary Clinton,(and not a chovinist, but God in heaven has appointed Man in Leadership roles.

Fred C. at 2:41PM on Feb 5th 2008

13. Uuhh can anyone tell me what the h e double hockey sticks is Cecil Jones talking about? Oh and CJ don't bother to reply I really don't believe I would understand you. However this is a great video I'M sending this out to my peeps for motivation!!!

SMOOTHSMITTY at 3:06PM on Feb 5th 2008

14. When you belive all things are possible.Yes We Can.....Go Obama Go

Lisa B at 3:19PM on Feb 5th 2008

15. I thank you for making this video possible for people to see. I pray that you will find a way to disseminate this video to masses of Americans. I am a disabled veteran and this video makes me proud to be an American and a supporter of Barack and Michelle Obama. YES WE CAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ann at 5:02PM on Feb 5th 2008

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