Vivek Ramaswamy is known to different audiences in various ways. Some see him as a successful biotech entrepreneur who has made significant contributions to the pharmaceutical field before venturing into politics. Others view him as a cultural warrior, fighting against “woke” corporations and advocating for his own version of “truth,” whether it pertains to gender or the use of fossil fuels. However, there is another aspect of Ramaswamy’s identity that has remained largely hidden since his time as an undergraduate at Harvard – Da Vek the Rapper.
Surprisingly, this hidden identity came to light at the Iowa State Fair recently. Ramaswamy, now a 38-year-old presidential candidate, took the stage with a microphone in hand and performed Eminem’s “Lose Yourself” in front of a predominantly white audience. While this impromptu performance may not be as iconic as Bill Clinton’s saxophone solo on “The Arsenio Hall Show,” it did allow Ramaswamy to stand out culturally from his older and more socially awkward competitors in the early stages of the presidential race.
The lyrics of the song, such as “He opens his mouth, but the words won’t come out,” do not exactly align with Ramaswamy’s fast-talking and quick-witted personality. The line about going back to a mobile home also does not resonate with his wealthy background, as he comes from a middle-class upbringing and currently resides in a $2 million mansion in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. However, rap and hip-hop have been a part of Ramaswamy’s life since his Harvard days, where he performed as Da Vek, rapping libertarian lyrics while dressed in all-black outfits complete with a Kangol cap. He even referred to “Lose Yourself” as his life’s theme song in a 2006 interview with The Harvard Crimson.
In a recent interview, Ramaswamy admitted feeling a bit sheepish about returning to rap. He acknowledged that some things he said in the past are now cringe-worthy. Nonetheless, he stands by his identification with Eminem, seeing him as an underdog who defied expectations, just like Ramaswamy himself. Although he did not plan to rap on the center stage in Iowa, when asked about his favorite “walkout” song for the campaign trail, Ramaswamy chose “Lose Yourself.” This may be an unusual choice for a Republican candidate, but it aligns with his belief in defying odds and overcoming obstacles.
Ramaswamy’s venture into hip-hop, a genre often associated with Black struggle and triumph, carries risks and has drawn criticism. Rapper Rhymefest, who defeated Eminem in a freestyle contest and is an advocate for Black culture, expressed concerns about Ramaswamy’s rewriting of Black history to fit Republican talking points. However, Ramaswamy believes that everyone has the right to express themselves through music, and he feels a connection with the passion and underdog spirit of hip-hop, even though he may not fully grasp the words and meaning behind it.
While it’s unclear whether Eminem is a fan of Ramaswamy’s performance, the rapper has been known for his outspoken criticism of former President Donald J. Trump. In contrast, Ramaswamy is a staunch supporter of Trump, despite running against him for the 2024 G.O.P. nomination. Their political stances and goals are not aligned, according to rap historian Soren Baker.
Although “Lose Yourself” is not a political anthem per se, it has become a popular rallying cry for pregame events or team gatherings. However, Ramaswamy mentioned that he won’t be blasting the song through his AirPods as he prepares for the first Republican primary debate of the 2024 cycle. After all, he is an adult and is focused on presenting himself as a serious presidential candidate.
In conclusion, Vivek Ramaswamy’s unexpected foray into rap at the Iowa State Fair showcased a unique aspect of his identity. Despite the potential risks and criticisms, Ramaswamy identifies with the underdog spirit of hip-hop and connects with Eminem’s ability to defy expectations. While his performance may not have the same impact as past political musical moments, it distinguishes him from his competitors and adds another layer to his multifaceted persona.
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