Let me start off by saying I don't think the Swine Flu is a laughing matter. Yung Berg's career is but not the Swine Flu. It's unfortunate that people are sick and have died from this but let's keep in mind that somewhere around 60,000 people die every year from the average flu. Now while the Swine Flu outbreak is impacting the entire world right now, it impacts (or will impact) Hip-Hop in 4 very unique ways.
#4 HIP-HOP IS MERE WEEKS AWAY FROM RAPPERS WEARING SURGICAL MASKS IN VIDEOS
Hip-Hop loves to set trends...it also loves to steal trends (tight jeans anyone?). I really hope this Swine Flu outbreak calms soon...because if it doesn't...some ignant ass Hip-Hop artist will start wearing a surgical mask in their videos as a fashion trend. And then? Kids the world over will start wearing surgical masks to school and to the club which will confuse the shit outta everyone cause no one will know when the outbreak is contained because MC Wack-Off started a new trend. I'm half joking about this...but I'm also half serious. I really think this is gonna become a trend. Don't believe me? Click here.
#3 MORE AMMUNITION FOR BILL O'REILLY
Don't kid yourself people. Bill O'Reilly WILL find a way to blame the Swine Flu outbreak on Hip-Hop. He'll say something like "Rapper Naaaaz has released a new song talking about shooting innocent people. But if you listen closely to the lyrics, it sounds like he's actually saying "I support the Swine Flu outbreak." Is this the kind of filth we need our children listening to?" Either that or he'll dig up Gucci Mane's (although Bill would probably call him "Gucci Maaaaan") "Bird Flu" and claim it to be some sort of Hip-Hop conspiracy to infect the globe.
#2 CONCERTS CANCELLED
A concert by Young Jeezy and Drake was cancelled at the University of Delaware after school officials discovered 10 suspected cases of Swine Flu. They had to cancel a Young Jeezy concert? It's Armageddon I tell ya. I would assume that this won't be the last Hip-Hop show to be cancelled or postponed. Maybe people who bought tickets to see Soulja Boy in concert will get lucky and have their shows cancelled as well...because I'm not sure what's worse, watching Soulja Boy in concert or the Swine Flu. Youuuuuuuuuuuu decide.
#1 SWINE FLU MENTIONS IN LYRICS
Regardless of the outcome of this outbreak, Hip-Hop fans will be subjected to lyrics mentioning Swine Flu for months...possibly years to come. It's how we do in Hip-Hop. There is a world event or Pop culture phenomenon and instantly it's in the lyrical content of songs. I still remember when Yankees pitcher Cory Lidle crashed into the side of a building and next thing you know Joe Budden is spittin' this:
"Rappers flyin' high, then got suicidal/Imitate Jim Jones, end up like Cory Lidle"
Swine Flu has already hit the music with the Clipse "Kinda Like A Big Deal" (Remix) Feat. Bun B & Kanye West where Bun spits:
"I drop the top & turn the car into a tanning booth…catch you makin’ bacon, and lay you down like the swine flu.”
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