A hip hop album by Michelle Obama? Yet another example of the expanding influence and impact of the music.
Just a few weeks ago, Nas was honored with a hip hop fellowship in his name at Harvard University. Teachers are using hip hop in their classrooms to get students interested in math and science, and now the first lady, Michelle Obama is utilizing hip hop as a platform to educate and influence young people.
Her “Let’s Move!” program plans to release a hip hop album complete with 19 songs and 10 music videos in conjunction with the Partnership for a Healthier America and Hip Hop Public Health.
The album, set to be released on September 30th features artists including Run DMC, Ashanti, Doug E. Fresh and Jordin Sparks. The video above, called “Everybody” was released in June and features an appearance from the First Lady and Dr. Oz.
The rest of the videos will be distributed across the country beginning with 40 schools in New York City and expanding to other major cities, according to US News And World Reports.
"Throughout history, music has been a great teacher and motivator, from ABC’s and nursery rhymes to religious hymns and national anthems. It is time to harness this power for health,” explained Founder of Hip Hop Public Health Dr. Olajide Williams.
The directors of the project are looking to create a strong resonance within the African American community. Close to 50 percent of African American children are overweight, according to a 2011 National Healthcare Disparities Report.
"Cultural leaders and visionaries in our country can give these messages to kids in a way that's not preachy. Kids are going to be dancing and listening to the music,"Let's Move! Executive Director and White House assistant chef, Sam Kass explained. "I think hip hop in particular – so many kids love hip hop. It's such a core part of our culture ...and particularly in the African-American community and the Latino community which is being disproportionately affected by those health issues."
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