The State Department has a program called the “Global Music Ambassadors,” where they name American artists are Global Music Ambassadors. But, historically, it has been used for nefarious purposes. For example, CIA operatives were smuggled into Congo through Louis Armstrong. Similarly, Nina Simone’s tour in Nigeria was also used for similar purposes. We were dismayed to learn that Chuck D, the man who rapped about “Fighting the Power” agreed to become one of the ambassadors.

This week, we sat down with Chuck D and asked to explain himself, whether he believes he, too, will be used in this way and why he decided to accept this position.