Uncle Luke ran the rap game in the 80s as part of the rap group 2 Live Crew, but his latest venture is entering the political game. Luther Roderick Campbell, better known as "Uncle Luke," has announced his candidacy for Florida's 20th Congressional District.
In a statement shared on social media this week, the rapper and activist announced his intention to run for office, citing his years of advocacy work.
"After decades of fighting for my community -- from the courtroom defending free speech all the way to the United States Supreme Court, to building businesses that created jobs across the South, to mentoring and coaching thousands of young people into college -- I have officially decided to run for Congress in Florida's 20th Congressional District," Luke wrote. "My first order of business is to qualify by petition and let the people speak."
Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) currently represents Florida's 20th Congressional District, but she could be booted out of the House after being indicted for allegedly stealing millions of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funds. The money was allegedly used for campaign contributions to her 2021 campaign.
The Florida Democrat maintains her innocence.
"I am committed to the people of Florida, my district. We're gonna continue fighting and make sure everyone gets the representation they need," Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick said in a press conference last year.
Uncle Luke has highlighted job creation, affordable housing, and investing in youth programs as part of his platform.
He is no stranger to politics, however, as he has had a long and storied history with Florida's political arena.
Florida Governor Bob Martinez, who served as Florida Governor from 1987 to 1991, was no fan of 2 Live Crew, calling their 1989 album As Nasty as They Wanna Be obscene. The album was banned in Broward County, and Broward County Sheriff Nick Navarro arrested local store owners on obscenity charges for selling it. Governor Martinez backed the efforts from law enforcement against the album.
In response to the controversy surrounding the album, the group released a song titled "F**k Martinez," which also includes the lyrics "f**k Navarro." The song appeared on 2 Live Crew's 1990 album Banned in the U.S.A.: The Luke LP, which was the first album to display the "Parental Advisory: Explicit Lyrics" warning label.
