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[Anticitizen One]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20091113/od_nm/us_putin_hiphop_odd

MOSCOW (Reuters) – Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin rubbed shoulders with rappers and was hailed with "respect" in a television show Friday that could help boost his flagging ratings.

Putin, wearing a turtleneck sweater and jacket, went on stage to present awards to participants in "Battle for Respect," a hip-hop music contest run by Muz TV, a Russian rival to MTV.

"It would have been cool to record a joint track with Vladimir Putin because he is a legendary man and our idol," sang rapper Zhigan who won the contest. "Let's make so much noise in his honor that the whole world can hear."

A presenter told the audience of about 100 young rappers in a makeshift television studio in an abandoned Moscow factory building that he wanted "smiles to stay on your faces throughout the evening."

Despite hip-hop's violent image, Putin had a stern message for the rappers about healthy living.

"I do not think that 'top-rock' or 'down-rock' breakdance technique is compatible with alcohol or drugs," Putin told cheering hip-hoppers who responded with chants of "Respect, Vladimir Vladimirovich."

Putin's approval ratings last month had the sharpest fall since he stepped down as Kremlin chief in May 2008. His rating fell 6 percentage points to 66 percent on October 24-25, according to leading pollster FOM. [ID:nL2370140]

Putin's aides responded with plans for a flurry of prime ministerial appearances, including a televised question-and-answer session with the Russian people this month.

Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov denied there was a link between the hip-hop appearance and the ratings fall.

"Putin has a high and stable rating which does not require any support," said Peskov. "The main goal of this event was to contribute to the promotion of a healthy lifestyle."

Putin, who stepped down as president last year, remains Russia's most popular and powerful politician. Most Russians believe he will run for President again in 2012.

Putin's carefully orchestrated image also include bare-chested photos on fishing trips in Siberia, appearances with rare animals such as Siberian tigers, leopards and beluga whales and encounters with fringe social groups like bikers.

"He communicates to all social groups. Hip-hop culture is very popular and youths from all corners of our country are fans of this culture," Peskov said.

In Soviet Union hop hips you

 

[gdt]

So is Robert De Niro,

http://www.contactmusic.com/news.nsf/story/rap-star-robert-de-niro_1122833

Robert De Niro wants to be a rapper.

The 66-year-old actor wants to work with hip-hop star 50 Cent after they became good friends while shooting the movie 'Righteous Kill' last year and thinks a track recorded by the pair would be great.

He Oscar winner said: "We had some good conversations. As for any future collaborations or rapping, you never know."

Despite his planned career change, De Niro recently admitted he never contemplated what he would do if wasn't a successful actor.

He said: "I didn't have a Plan B. I never quite got to the point of needing one. I did one thing, then the next. I was able to sustain myself."

Father-of-five De Niro's rapping dream may impress his children - who he claims have never been in awe of his glittering acting career.

He said: "My kids aren't too impressed with me. They don't say very much about my career. Sometimes they Google me, though. And who knows what their friends say?"

 

[TacticalFox88]

Ok much better.

 

[xelios]

Can a ...

:s Might want to edit that out.


Go Putin.

 

[Anticitizen One]

Can a mothafucka gets some bolding on this bitch?

better now?

 

[Choke on the Magic]

Word.

 

[industrian]

Now I know y'all be lovin' this shit right here
V-L-A-D Putin is right here
People in the Kremlin put them AKs in the air
Cause if you don't care, then we don't scare
One two three times two to the six
Jonesin for you fix of that Soviet Union mix
So where the fuck you at punk?
Shut the fuck up
And back the fuck up
Before we fuck Georgia up