15 November 2009 / REUTERS, MOSCOW
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin rubbed shoulders with rappers and was hailed with “respect” in a television show that could help boost his ratings.
Putin, wearing a turtleneck sweater and jacket, went on stage to present awards to participants in “Battle for Respect,” 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’ break dance technique is compatible with alcohol or drugs,” Putin told cheering hip-hoppers who responded with chants of “Respect, Vladimir Vladimirovich.” 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.
