Correction to This Article
An earlier version of this article incorrectly cited the decades in which the Rev. Jesse Jackson campaigned for office. This version has been corrected.

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B-Rock Is in the House

Will.I.Am, center, in the video for his Obama tribute "Yes We Can." The hip-hop star's single "It's a New Day" joins a host of releases since Obama's presidential victory. (Taken From Youtube)

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In today's age of bling, there is still a vein of political hip-hop -- whose tone could now change, said some artists.

"The commentary has to be rewired," said Chuck D of Public Enemy, speaking on the phone from Long Island. "It's a big difference between pointing the finger at a government run by George Bush or Ronald Reagan to a situation at hand where you feel you can address President Obama."

He said the critique might move from "rant and rage" at the president to community ills, internationalism and the status of women.

"We are believing in certain aspects of politics now," Common said in a phone interview. "November 4 is the first time in my life that I ever felt that America was one."

"The next generation of kids will have something new to rap about," said Nas. But he also previously wrote lyrics expressing his hope -- and his uncertainty -- about Obama's presidency:

I'm thinking I can trust this brother

But will he keep it way real?

. . . When he wins, will he care still?

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