Rapper and University of Wisconsin-Madison graduate Yung Gravy performed in Madison on Wednesday as part of the nationwide “Party to the Polls” tour, which aimed to encourage voter participation ahead of the election.
After the performance, which suffered significant technical difficulties, Yung Gravy led a march alongside students from Liquid Madison, a local club, to Memorial Union, where he held a brief meet and greet with voters as they waited in line to cast their ballots.
Early in-person voting in Wisconsin started on Tuesday, and on-campus polling locations 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. 1.
The Daily Cardinal spoke with the rapper before the event about why he feels voting in Wisconsin is important, what it’s like being 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 being back in Madison?
Very good. I got here at like 9 p.m. and walked up State Street, and just lurked…I went to a whole bunch of spots. Whiskey Jack’s, Monday’s, some Irish place that I’ve never been.
What inspired you to come here?
I love Madison. I went to college here. When I think about anything political, I think here, honestly. I wouldn’t have done it if it wasn’t Madison. I just got off a full year of touring and told my agent to stop booking things, but then I saw this and thought it was pretty cool.
I actually do try to stay out of political shit as an artist, but when I went here, that was when I felt like I was able to give a fuck. That was when there was an election.
Why do you think it’s important to be in Madison, Wisconsin specifically?
It’s the capital of Wisconsin. It’s a swing state, and people are smart here, so I can trust them to make the right decision.
Are there any particular issues you hope young voters will focus on this election cycle?
Any sort of strong feelings for me would be abortion. I think people should be able to get abortions, and that’s the one thing I’ll stand on.
What is your advice to students who may be hesitant about voting?
It’s not hard to do it. Just go do it. It doesn’t take that long. Girls will like you. Do it.
What bars were your favorite when you were a student here?
The Double U. When the Double U opened, they were looking for people to be in their commercial and they picked me. I wasn’t famous yet. I used my Fake ID. Besides that, the Nitty Gritty was lit. I remember Lucky’s. I went to Lucky’s as a freshman.
Have you ever made references to politics in your music?
I called [Vice President] Kamala Harris a bad bitch one time. I said “I need a fine VP like Biden.” Because I do think she’s hot.
To clarify, you think Kamala Harris is hot?
Yes.
I don’t think I’ve ever mentioned Trump. It’s kind of cliche to mention Trump as a rapper. Remember “Donald Trump” by Mac Miller? He made that song and then he, like, took it back.
Ella Hanley is the associate news editor for The Daily Cardinal. She has written breaking, city, state and campus news. Follow her on Twitter at @ellamhanley.
