Barack Obama: 'Rappers Can Deliver Message Of Extraordinary Power'

US democratic hopeful Barack Obama says rapper's like Kanye West have the chance to deliver ”a message of extraordinary power” to American citizens.

"I've met with Kanye [West]. And I've talked to other artists about how potentially to bridge that gap," Mr Obama said.

"I think the potential for them to deliver a message of extraordinary power that gets people thinking (is massive).”

Mr Obama's comments, made on US television, follow reports that he will introduce West onto stage at next month's Lollapalooza Festival in Chicago.

The report – published on Gigwise earlier this month – revealed that the former Illinois senator had kept the weekend free in his summer schedule.

Mr Obama will face republican John McCain in the presidential elections this November.

West is one of a number of artists who have backed Obama's bid. CLICK HERE to see other high profile supporters of his campaign.