Russian rappers, Putin, and ‘rap battle for justice’

It appears that Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin’s appearance on a music TV show last week has inspired some people in the Kremlin elite, to follow in his footsteps. And on Tuesday, musicians and lawmakers staged a “rap battle for justice.”

And apparently, this included a freestyle message to President Dmitry Medvedev, urging him to fight corruption and other problems that are faced by everyday Russians. Putin was said to have appeared on Muz-TV, to hand out awards.

He was also there to declare that Russian hip-hoppers can help towards fighting drugs and other various problems of the youth. Putin may not have technically rapped on the show, but did deliver a speech to the backdrop of a hip-hop groove.

You can read the full story at nytimes.com.