Money Quote: Remembering Putin's Award-Worthy Hip-Hop Speech

"Break dance is something special"

After his awkward foray into hip-hop last November, Vladimir Putin stands to win an award for his efforts. Muz TV—Russia's version of MTV—has nominated him for its "Event of the Year" award. This is as good a time as any to look back on the speech Putin gave extolling the virtues of hip-hop culture:

Street rap may be a little bit rough but it contains social meaning. Graffiti becomes a real elegant art. Break dance is something special. It is really a promotion of a healthy lifestyle. It is hard to imagine break dance being combined with alcohol or drugs. When people perform with acrobatic elements it really calls for respect.