Joseph "Run" Simmons, of rap group Run-DMC, seeks to become offical Poet Laureate of Queens,NY

BBC On-Line ^ | Friday, 9 April, 2004

[yankeedame]

Last Updated: Friday, 9 April, 2004, 17:02 GMT 18:02 UK

Rapper wants to be poet laureate

Joseph Simmons (right) with brother Russell, who created Def Poetry Jam

Hip-hop pioneer Joseph "Run" Simmons, of the rap group Run-DMC, has applied to become poet laureate of the New York borough of Queens, where he was born. Simmons helped define the rap sound - which some regard as a form of poetry - with Run-DMC in the 1980s.

"The whole life of Run-DMC was concocted in the atmosphere of Hollis, Queens," the rapper said - although he moved to New Jersey last year.

The post, to write verse about the borough, has been empty since December.

Simmons is the brother of Def Jam record label boss Russell Simmons, who created the successful Def Poetry Jam events, which combine poetry and hip-hop.

QUEENS DAY BY RUN-DMC Some come out of their hometown and they never get dough But three teens from Queens take over the world and never let go Just regular cats you know, that just happened to blow Not synonymous with Hollis - Jay, Darryl and Joe

From the album Crown Royal (1999) Simmons included the lyrics to one of Run-DMC's songs, Christmas in Hollis, in his application.

Run-DMC's other hits include Walk This Way, It's Like That and It's Tricky. They were the first rappers to have a platinum-selling album, have their videos played on MTV and appear of the cover of Rolling Stone magazine.

But Simmons and partner Darryl "DMC" McDaniels wound up the band after their DJ, Jason "Jam Master Jay" Mizell, was shot dead in New York 2002.

Queens' last poet laureate was Hal Sirowitz, who served from 2000 to 2003.

Last year, the UK's poet laureate, Andrew Motion, wrote a poem in rap form to celebrate Prince William's 21st birthday.

[MindBender26]

Simmons would have made his announcement at the Queens Public Library, but was unable to do so. The Library was closed because someone forgot to return the book.

[AlbertWang]

I saw this fellow on a TV program, I was impressed by him, not what i had expected, well spoken, articulate, and had some values and wisdom.

[wagglebee]

Well Clinton was our "first black president" and now has (a seldom if ever visited) office in Harlem. So, I guess this makes sense.

[Cicero]

Glad to hear it. As a matter of fact, from his picture he looks like a nice, decent, sensible guy. I confess I have never heard any of his stuff.

[Extremely Extreme Extremist]

Run-DMC is legendary. They were the first group to mainstream hip-hop and produced some great jams. Some of their sounds were more like rock music than actual rap grooves. They even did a remake of an Aerosmith song, which back then in 1986, was totally unprecedented.

Plus they produced other groups and artists, like L.L. Cool J, Beastie Boys, and The Fat Boys.

Unfortunately most of hip-hop today has degenerated into unnecessary profanity, gangsta violence, and who has the most money and the biggest rims on their rides. Unfortunately The DJ of Run-DMC died a tragic death from gun violence, and I think DMC (not Run the other guy) damaged his vocal chords because he kept rapping in a high-pitched tone.

[Solamente]

Let him be the laureate if he can spell it.

[GreatOne]

It's Like That

Unemployment at record highs
People coming, people going, people born to die
Don't ask me, because I don't know why
But it's like that, and that's the way it is
People in the world tryin to make ends meet
You try to ride car, train, bus, or feet
I said you got to work hard, you want to compete
It's like that, and that's the way it is
Money is the key to end all your woes
Your ups, your downs, your highs and your lows
Won't you tell me the last time that love bought you clothes?
It's like that, and that's the way it is
Bills rise higher every day
We receive much lower pay
I'd rather stay young, go out and play
It's like that, and that's the way it is
Wars going on across the sea
Street soldiers killing the elderly
Whatever happened to unity?
It's like that, and that's the way it is
Disillusion is the word
That's used by me when I'm not heard
I just go through life with my glasses blurred
It's like that, and that's the way it is
You can see a lot in this lifespan
Like a bum eating out of a garbage can
You noticed one time he was your man
It's like that (what?) and that's the way it is
You should have gone to school, you could've learned a trade
But you laid in the bed where the bums have laid
Now all the time you're crying that you're underpaid
It's like that (what?) and that's the way it is
One thing I know is that life is short
So listen up homeboy, give this a thought
The next time someone's teaching why don't you get taught?
It's like that (what?) and that's the way it is
If you really think about it times aren't that bad
The one that flexes with successes will make you glad
Stop playing start praying, you won't be sad
It's like that (what?) and that's the way it is
When you feel you fail sometimes it hurts
For a meaning in life is why you search
Take the bus or the train, drive to school or the church
It's like that, and that's the way it is
Here's another point in life you should not miss
Do not be a fool who's prejudiced
Because we're all written down on the same list
It's like that (what?) and that's the way it is
You know it's like that, and that's the way it is
Because it's like that, and that's the way it is