Grammy winning rapper and pornographer Snoop Dogg (real name Calvin Broadus), announced plans today for the first Snoop Dogg Aids Crip-Walk to benefit AIDS Project Los Angeles. The charity event, to be held in Compton, California is a variation on popular AIDS Walk events. Instead of simply walking a predetermined distance, participants are expected to “Crip Walk” the entire route. Crip Walking or “Cripping” is a steady movement of the feet used to spell out gang-related symbols and images. The practice is popular among members of the California based Crips, a gang that Snoop Dogg has long been associated with.The rapper hopes that the event will raise awareness, not only of the AIDS crisis, but of the Crips as well. When reached for comment, the rapper referred to himself in the third person by saying, “Big Snoop Dogg tha Dogfather of this whole charity shit. You know I gotta do my thang, fight that bug. But an OG is always repping they hood. That’s why we Crip Walking in Compton bitches; we fightin’ that AIDS.”
The move stunned many AIDS activists due to the rapper’s frequent use of homophobic slurs in his lyrics. When reached for comment, Director of AIDS Project Los Angeles Barry Tretorn told reporters, “This is certainly unexpected but charity work sometimes makes strange bedfellows! While I certainly don’t support everything Snoopy (sic) has done, I applaud his efforts on behalf of AIDS research. I think Snoopy and his Doggy Pound Gang are just terrific. They're fabulous!” Tretorn added, “Snoopy’s (sic) involvement has allowed us to reach a segment of the population that normally resists our message either from homophobia or simple fear. Kudos to you Mr. Dogg!”
When asked to comment on Tretorn’s statement, Snoop responded, “No Homo.”
AIDS Walk is a walkathon fundraiser that raises money to combat the AIDS epidemic. The funds raised from AIDS Walks usually benefit a local AIDS service organization which provide services and advocacy for local community residents who are infected with HIV. They are also often credited for being effective tools of public outreach, community empowerment, and education for the issues surrounding AIDS. Those wishing to make a donation to AIDS Project Los Angeles can do so HERE.
Snoop Dogg Demonstrates his "Crip Walk" technique
