Toni Blackman was the very first rapper to tour under the State Department banner.

NPR: Hip Hop Takes on Diplomatic Role with State Department

Ms. TONI BLACKMAN (Musician): I think my music is really in the vein of a Lauryn Hill, of a Mos Def, of a Talib Kweli, of the Roots, of artists who are part of hip-hop culture and really committed not only to being on stage and being in the limelight but really committed to the art form and to the tradition of the oral tradition.

NPR: Hip Hop Takes on Diplomatic Role with State Department