Beyoncé's "Freedom" Sees Surge in Streams Following Kamala Harris' Campaign Kickoff
- Vice President Kamala Harris has incorporated Beyoncé's 2016 song 'Freedom' into her campaign strategy, aiming to resonate with voters.
- The song, featured in Harris' inaugural presidential campaign video, has seen a surge in popularity across music streaming platforms.
- This strategic use of music reflects a growing trend of candidates aligning with popular culture.
Beyoncé's song "Freedom" has experienced a remarkable increase in streaming numbers, reportedly rising over 1,300 percent after Kamala Harris used it as her walk-out anthem during her initial campaign appearances. According to Luminate, streams surged from 16,600 to 235,400 between Sunday and Tuesday, coinciding with Harris's announcement as a Democratic presidential candidate. The song, featuring Kendrick Lamar and part of Beyoncé's acclaimed album "Lemonade," was played as Harris visited her campaign headquarters in Delaware. Harris's campaign team confirmed that Beyoncé approved the use of "Freedom" just hours before her public debut, and the song is expected to be a recurring theme throughout her campaign. While Beyoncé has not officially endorsed Harris, she previously supported Biden and Harris in the 2020 election. The use of "Freedom" aligns with a broader trend of musicians and celebrities rallying behind Harris, with notable figures like Charli XCX, Ariana Grande, and Lizzo expressing their support. Academics have noted the political significance of "Freedom," highlighting its themes of self-empowerment and the struggle for liberation. Omise’eke Tinsley and Kinitra D. Brooks emphasize that the song resonates deeply within the context of Black American history and the ongoing fight for freedom. The strategic use of a popular song by a beloved artist like Beyoncé may help Harris connect with diverse voter demographics, particularly among young people and communities of color.