By james art Rapper and University of Wisconsin-Madison graduate Yung Gravy performed a concert in Madison on Wednesday as part of the national “Party to the Polls” tour, which aimed to encourage voter participation before the election.
After the performance, which suffered significant technical difficulties, Jung Gravy led a march with students from Liquid Madison, a local club, to the Memorial Union, where he held a brief meet and greet with voters waiting in line to vote.
Early in-person voting in Wisconsin began Monday, and campus polling stations at Memorial Union, Union South and the Health Sciences Learning Center are open weekdays from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. through Nov. 3.
The Daily Cardinal spoke with the rapper ahead of the event about why he thinks voting in Wisconsin is important, what it’s like to be back at his alma mater and some of his favorite bars in Madison.
The following has been edited for clarity and brevity.
How does it feel to be back in Madison?
very good I got here around 9:00 PM and I walked up State Street and I was just hanging around… I went to a whole bunch of places. Whiskey Jack’s, Monday, some Irish place I’ve never been to.
What inspired you to come here?
I love Madison. I went to college here. When I think about something political, I think here, frankly. I wouldn’t have if it wasn’t for Madison. I just finished a full year of touring and told my agent to stop booking stuff, but then I saw this and thought it was pretty cool.
I actually try to stay out of political nonsense as an artist, but when I went here, that’s when I felt like I cared. That was when there were elections.
Why do you think it’s important to be right in Madison, Wisconsin?
It is the capital of Wisconsin. This is a swing state and the people here are smart, so I can trust them to make the right decision.
Enjoying what you read? Get content from The Daily Cardinal delivered to your inbox
Are there any particular issues you hope young voters will focus on this election cycle?
Any strong feelings for me would be an abortion. I think people should be able to have abortions and that’s the only thing I’ll stand for.
What is your advice to students who may be hesitant to vote?
It’s not hard to do. Just go and do it. It doesn’t take much time. Girls will like you. do it
Which bars were your favorites when you were a student here?
The Double U. When the Double U opened, they were looking for people for their commercial and they chose me. I wasn’t famous yet. I used my fake ID. Also, the Nitty Gritty was on fire. I remember Lucky. I went to Lucky as a freshman.
Do you ever make political references in your music?
I called [Vice President] Kamala Harris was a bad bitch once upon a time. I said, “I need a good vice president like Biden.” Because I think she’s hot.
To clarify, do you think Kamala Harris is hot?
yes
I don’t think I ever mentioned Trump. It’s kind of cliche to refer to Trump as a rapper. Remember “Donald Trump” by Mac Miller? He made this song and then took it back.
The Daily Cardinal has covered the University and the Madison community since 1892. Please consider a donation today.
Ella Henley is the associate news editor for The Daily Cardinal. She has written breaking news for the city, state and campus. Follow her on Twitter at @ellamhanley.