The federal government is using taxpayer funds to promote hip-hop abroad, sometimes with the aim of advancing left-of-center agenda items. Federal grant records show that the State Department has funded 31 programs in 23 countries to promote hip-hop as part of America’s public diplomacy strategy. Using hip-hop to promote democratic values, boost climate activism and promote diversity were among the initiatives funded by the federal government. State Department officials have approved nearly $700,000 in grants promoting hip-hop-related programs since the beginning of the 2021 fiscal year, accor…