Mike Scala, a NY Emcee is running for Congress in New York's 5th Congressional district which covers most of Southeast Queens including Jamaica, all of the Rockaways and parts of Nassau. This district was the hardest hit by the foreclosure crises in the state of New York. "Our primary date is June 26th. We are going up against a 14 year incumbent who has never been challenged and doesn't represent the people.".. He voted for Medi-care and education cuts and is looking to cut government jobs in the area in the future. "We are fighting to stop this from happening. We have already done what hasn't been done before and officially made it on to the ballot through grassroots efforts," The rapper continued.. "I think Hip Hop needs to be aware of what we are doing. This is really a first in Hip Hop. I think our community, cultural size, global influence and contribution to society deserves to be recognized, represented and have a hand in determining what governs us."

"This is not a community that can afford much more. This is not a wait and see election. We must move towards a more progressive change. For this change to happen we need everyone we can get to stand up for that change. If people are afraid or unwilling, then more of the same is guaranteed.".. he continued.

"I believe we need stronger leaders fighting for everyday Americans. I support President Obama and recognize that he needs more support from his own party. When Republicans are unwilling to budge, we as Democrats cannot come to the table with compromised positions. I believe in compromise, but not for its own sake. I believe in compromise, but not when the other side gets everything they want and the American public suffers. There’s too much at stake. We deserve better from our legislators. We deserve representatives with the passion and conviction of our counterparts, but whose ideals are more in line with our needs."

"I fell in love with Hip Hop and eventually began recording music. That journey took me around the country, where I witnessed how the power of words can bring people together. One of my projects was released by Rawkus Records, the label that also released classics like Mos Def’s Black on Both Sides and the Lyricist Lounge series."

Mike Scala was born and raised in Rosedale, Queens. Mr. Scala graduated cum laude from Polytechnic University (now Polytechnic Institute of NYU), and is currently in his final year of study at Brooklyn Law School. He has worked for the legal department of New York State United Teachers, where he helped defend educators facing discrimination. He additionally spent time at the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, which advocates for improving end of life care and is the largest nonprofit membership organization of its kind in the United States. During the 2008 presidential election, Mr. Scala worked with the Obama campaign to help college students vote early via in-person absentee ballot. Scala is a Hip Hop artist who has released music through the storied Rawkus Records. He recently founded the Solid Ground movement, which promotes governmental focus on everyday Americans and has garnered national support.