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Jay-Z Appears in HeadCount “Vote Again 2010″ PSA

October 12th, 2010 | Andy Bernstein | 7 Comments     

I remember a time when musicians could pretty much guarantee applause by simply reminding fans to vote. As soon as we started registering voters at concerts in 2004, we made the “stage shout-out” an integral part of our playbook.

For the 2010 midterms though, the whole tenor of things has been different, and most of the musicians we work with are understandably a bit more reticent – even when it comes to nonpartisan calls to simply cast a ballot.

That’s why it stood out as courageous and inspiring when Jay-Z took to the stage at Bonnaroo  last June and told the audience of 70,000 that “our generation changed the world” by voting.

Within his words I heard a powerful call for youth voter participation itself, regardless of ideology or party. And now, almost four months later, I am very proud to introduce HeadCount’s “Vote Again 2010” public service announcement starring Jay-Z himself.

Culled directly from footage at Bonnaroo, this 30-second spot aims to illicit pride in the fact that more Americans under 30 voted in 2008 than any election in history. That fact appears on the screen followed by Jay-Z’s impassioned plea to “fight for what you believe in.” It ends with a simple call to “Vote Again 2010,” a slogan adopted by various youth voter organizations.

We thank Jay-Z and his management for having the courage to not only say what he said, but also approve our use of the footage for this purpose. We hope the PSA proves as inspiring as his performance.

See coverage on: RollingStone.com; The New York Times Blog; CBSNews.comNPRThe Nation; RelixPoliticoThe Hill; Perez Hilton; The Fox Nation; AllHipHop.com; Jambands.com; and JamBase.com.

7 Comments

  1. Josh

    So great that Jay-Z approved this… amazing that it all the work has paid off… where will it be broadcasted?

  2. Leah

    I was at Bonnaroo and Jay-Z’s entire speech was incredible. He connected with the audience in a way that I’ve never seen before. His words were motivating and inspiring…I still get chills hearing him say “we changed the world!” I’ve shown the youtube video of his entire speech to friends and I’m excited to know that this PSA will reach even more people! Thanks HeadCount!

  3. Diana

    Congrats, HeadCount!

  4. Jesse C

    Congratulations fellow HeadCounters, supporting musicians, and all the fans who have come together to change the world. This goes to show that if we collectively make our voices heard at the polls anything is possible!! Music*Democracy*Action

  5. Rachel Rothechild

    Okay, he made a comment that is true. Which is young people came out in droves to participate in the vote and actually voted which is changing the country not the world. Electing a an individual does not change the world or this country. Is what he/she does with the office once they goin. Do they play with the big boys who actually pay the big money and will ruin ones carrer if that person(s) do not comply. Oractually do what right for their represented residents who really have no power. Since the Diebold election of Gore and Bush. Voting can be changed to fit whomever the powers that be want elected at tat time. And it has nothing to do with voting or coming together in age mass to vote.
    In his speech he stating “we change the world.” Actually he controls several artists so massively they have canged the world by sending messages like be a robot, do for self, auto-tune, “to the left.” He cannot identify with Marcy Projects anymore. He could have privatized Marcy Projects made them condominiums no one pays rent but pays a matience fee for up keep.
    He is allinged with powers beyond most peoples imagination and is therefore controlled by them. He helped Gotti and two other gentlemen get locked because they were going to start a publishing company together. And the powers that be with his help shut them up and down. That is why he is a minute seemingly part owner of the Nets. It is scary that upon looking out onto the audience and see the how brain washed they are to his music and B.S. He is happy that he had that influence over his so called fans because that is what his handlers want a “Thug Life” brainwashing. When Tu Pac realized what his lyrics and his rap dictated hordes of followers/brainwashin throughout the world. He decided to produce something less angry and he started talking about their secrets and plans. Well you know the rest. I know it is a bit shocking. But look up Boule rappers and or gay rappers you tube.

  6. nicole

    Big thanks to Jay-Z & everyone who was involved in making this happen!

  7. Cailin B.

    “Fight for what’s right. Fight for what you believe in.”

    I’ve watched this PSA more than a dozen times now over the past couple weeks and I still get chills. Chills followed by the biggest smile ever! THANK YOU again to Jay-Z for making this happen! Annnndd … I love being a part of HeadCount!!

    The “Vote Again 2010″ spot will air on CBS, Fuse and other major networks.

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