Can Rappers Sell Health Care Reform?
Hip Hop medical icon, Dr. Dre
Over at the website TheRoot.com, writer Kyle Coward states the case that many of the top performers from the Hip Hop music industry, should guide the American public through the health care debates by utilizing their gift of rhyme. Coward goes on to assert:
This is why I ask the MCs of the world—mainstream and underground, major label and independent—to please heed hip-hop’s responsibility for being a vessel for socio-political enlightenment, and break down some of the more byzantine aspects of this health care reform business. If hip hop is the no-nonsense voice of the people, then perhaps they’ll give me some real talk on the issue
Neat idea. I think we’re at the point where Lil’ Wayne may be better equipped to explain single-payer coverage, or co-ops far better than any Democrat or Republican.
Or, seminars on pain management from T-Pain?
Just imagine how much more energetic all the town hall meetings would be if they featured DJs,too?
If the crowd gets a tad too rowdy during one, Sen. Arlen Specter could shout to DJ Clue. Clue could then deftly drop the needle onto the Mobb Deep classic, “Shook Ones,” to get the assembled hyped to the point of distraction.
Taking Coward’s cue, and recognizing my own deep, social responsibilities to inform (I am an Hip Hop elder statesman, you know…), I’ve written my own rhyme about health care reform. I will use my current “nom de Hip Hop.” I now go by the emcee name, “Elliot Spits Sir.”
Here it is:
“DEATH PANEL” by ELLIOT SPITS SIR (aka “The Hard Boiled Egg”)
Turn my mic up, soundman…
Get it right, dude or you’ll get sprayed,
No masquerade, when you’re laid,
Out on the gurney, y’all have no mercy
Was I caught with a bullet from the trig? Nah…
Won’t get vexed ’cause I’m covered by the Cigna…
Wait! Doc says my wound’s too much to handle,
My dude, do I now have to get the DEATH PANEL?
DEATH PANEL…what?…DEATH PANEL…uh…DEATH PANEL…yeah!!!
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Hey, Bill. Rap? Why not! Others are doing it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVgOl3cETb4
Looking forward to the one gynecological exams! If the rap thing doesn’t work out, I’ve got a concept for a graphic novel called Madame Bovary’s Ovaries.
Vickie, something has to rhyme with mammo or Pap…
“Ammo” rhymes with “mammo.” This is Hip Hop. Please keep it gangsta, ladies.
In response to another comment. See in context »That’s your pseudonym, Caitlin — Mammo Pap. And if you don’t jump on it, someone will.
Baby, it’s all yours. No, really.
T-Pain? And have the whole health care discussion in Autotune? Oh yeah, somebody already has:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5CO2SfB1dnA
OK, Cook, you’re scaring me. Gently back away from the latest episode of “106 and Park”…
In response to another comment. See in context »