Obama Made Voting Cool Even For Ginuwine

By Nikki Schwab, Washington Whispers

Even though he was born in Washington and lives in the capital's Maryland suburbs, R&B artist Ginuwine never got into politics. "In my younger years, I never paid attention," he admits to Whispers.

Enter candidate Barack Obama, who inspired Ginuwine to enter a polling place for the first time at age 33. "I'm embarrassed to say it was my first time voting—but my guy got in," he says. Though the two haven't had face time, Ginuwine says, "I like what he stands for."

Ginuwine, who is best known for '90s hits like "Pony" and "Tell Me Do U Wanna," is hoping to become a household name again. He released his first new album in four years, "A Man's Thoughts," on Tuesday. And he's thinking the politicos in his hometown could help out with his next big project. After losing his father to suicide in 1999, he and his wife, former rapper Solé, want to put together a suicide-prevention foundation. They're already doing charitable work elsewhere and own homes for the mentally disabled in Kansas City, Mo., Solé's hometown.

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