In Joell Ortiz's song "Letter To Obama," he addresses the future president (at the time) Barack Obama. Ortiz introduces himself as the voice of the underdogs in the hood and expresses his desire to share his thoughts with the future president. The lyrics talk about Ortiz's personal experiences growing up in a disadvantaged environment. He discusses his mother's struggles with addiction and how it affected their lives. Ortiz also mentions his chronic asthma and the difficulties he faced in maintaining consistent medical coverage. Ortiz emphasizes the challenges faced by individuals living in impoverished areas. He mentions a friend who was shot and killed, highlighting the violence prevalent in his community. Another friend is unable to find employment due to a prior felony conviction, showcasing the inherent unfairness in the system. The lyrics shift to Ortiz's observation of how some artists misuse their wealth, contrasting it with his own actions. He mentions using a portion of his earnings to provide computers for those in need. Ortiz criticizes those who have forgotten their roots and urges for change. The song concludes with a plea to the future president to take action and make a difference. Ortiz expresses his hope that the next letter he writes will reflect positive changes in society. The underlying message of the song is one of survival, poverty, and the need for a better future. It calls for action and support from the president to address the issues faced by marginalized communities.
