Bill Cosby Raps On New Album

LOS ANGELES — Bill Cosby's path has taken him from pudding pops to hip hop.

The 70-year-old has recorded a hip-hop album set for release next month. "Cosby Narratives Vol. 1: State of Emergency" blends the comedian's concepts and stories with a hip-hop, pop and jazz soundtrack.

"I do not rap on any of these things," Cosby told The Associated Press on Monday. "I wouldn't know how to fix my mouth to say some of the words."

Cosby said the hip-hop music he hears is profane and degrading. His album is "the opposite of what I think is the profanity for no particular reason, the misogyny for no particular reason," he said. "It really looks at the frustration and the anger that a young man may have."

The album, assembled by Cosby's longtime musical collaborator Bill "Spaceman" Patterson, contains rhymes provided by guest rappers. The subject matter? "The value of an education. The value of respecting one's self and ... giving (listeners) a chance to raise their self-esteem and confidence," Cosby said.

Patterson said he was surprised when Cosby first inquired about making a rap record _ until the comedian revealed he wouldn't be the one doing the rapping.

"People started speculating, is he going to rap about Jell-O Pudding Pops or what?" Patterson said. "But he's always been involved in music and he was there for the first generation of spoken word. ... He has always understood rap's potential, but he was appalled by the foul language and the misogyny _ the way people used a medium that could be used to elevate people, to open their eyes and provoke thought."

Cosby made the album as a companion to his 2007 best-selling book, "Come on, People: On the Path from Victims to Victors." And though he doesn't expect the CD to be a huge hit, it won't be his last hip-hop venture.

"We can do even better," he said. "The next one will be even more cheerleading."

Comments

[thatwasntfunny]

Bill Cosby is....and always will be a beacon ....Not so much for Bob Johnson... who is a distractor...

[Brachiopod]

Cosby is still alive? Huh, I figured since I haven't seen a pudding pop commercial in 10 years he must have kicked it.

[OttoMann]

The Headline reads: Bill Cosby Raps on New Album. Third paragraph of the story, first sentence: "I do not rap on any of these things," Cosby told The Associated Press on Monday.

This is where are today -- even Huff Post is in on it. Apparently, the headline need not have any bearing on the story it headlines. It can, in fact, state something that's the exact polar opposite of what's in the story.

[kentay305]

Bill Cosby is and ever will be a sign of strength in the black community even after he passes away... we all know what hes trying to accomplish. and i commend him for it. the problems of the community no matter what part of town its in... is a problem to all of us. but again its whos signing the checks and contracts of the rappers that is the problem...they have the resources to project the image through audio and video. they influence the rapper by telling him whats gonna sell and whats not going to sell.

[ILliberalPedagogue]

Now here is a Black man that is more intellectually honest that Obama will ever be. Cheers Bill.

[suuzie]

Bill Cosby have been critical of wrap music, in the past. I am glad he is showing how it can be a positive. I understand he is from Pennsylvania, it seems he could have been instrumental to Obama on the campaign trail. I wonder why he has not spoken out for Obama or Clinton in Pennsylvania?

[ILliberalPedagogue]

He would only hurt Obama. Most blacks despise Mr. Cosby for his beliefs. He simply points out that every time you point your finger, there are three more pointing at yourself. If Obama said this kind of thing publicly, Rev Wright would tear him to pieces.

[audiodramatist]

Now, now...let us not start working over elder Bill.
And please do not "Smiley" him.
He has not said a word, as i know of, about this season in politics.
His generation has every right to get upset over what they see as a diminution of some of what they were struggling toward.

It was their generation who bought into the American dream to the extent of allowing their children to go for the money.
It is unfortunate, but it was just a matter of time to when the money worship surpassed the pursuit of scholarship.
¦But then they would be called Elitist¦You just can"t win in the game.

[ILliberalPedagogue]

He would only hurt Obama. Most blacks despise Mr. Cosby for his beliefs. He simply points out that every time you point your finger, there are three more pointing at yourself. If Obama said this kind of thing publicly, Rev Wright would tear him to pieces.

[acanthus]

Most blacks despise Bill Cosby? In the Pew Poll Question "Is X good for Black America?" 85% of the (black) respondents said "yes" when asked the question about Cosby. But,yes, I know. You want to believe the opposite.

[HLMerkin]

Obama speaks about parental responsibility, just last week:

http://apnews.myway.com/article/20080411/D8VVKG700.html

But, if it is easier for you to pulls your opinions our of your ass, it still is a free country.