Fifty years later, hip-hop is still influencing California politics

When Sen. Steven Bradford (D-Gardena) thinks about hip-hop's influence, he remembers all the wrongdoings artists illuminated throughout history. Even as hip-hop turns 50, the music is still provoking discussions about high-stakes political issues from police brutality to gun violence. "I'm in elected office today because of hip-hop," said Bradford, pointing to his time as a former nightclub promoter. "My attitude was if I can bring folks out to a club to listen to music, we can get folks out in our communities to rock the vote, and I use that as a catalyst to do what I do." Standing on the steps of the State Capitol in Sacramento on Monday, Bradford was among members of the California Legislative Black Caucus celebrating hip-hop's 50th anniversary.