MSNBC News Analyst Uses Biggie’s ‘What’s Beef’ Lyrics To Warn People About The Dangers Of Covid.
COVID-19 cases in the United States are on the rise as the Delta variant makes its way across the population. In an attempt to curtail the spread scientists and pro-vaccines are imploring people to wear their face masks and get vaccinated.
Many skeptics are unsure of the vaccine or how it works and anti-vaxxers have vowed to stay away from it altogether.
While addressing the current surge of the virus and people’s hesitancy to get vaccinated, MSNBC news anchor Ari Melber used lyrics from The Notorious B.I.G.’s “What’s Beef” to warn people about the seriousness of Covid and the repercussions that can follow.
“Covid is dangerous, it’s lethal. It’s a bit like the beef The Notorious B.I.G. used to rap about when he said ‘beef is when your moms ain’t safe up in the streets, beef is when I see you, guranteed to be in I.C.U.’” he said.
“When Covid sees you you can end up in I-C-U,” he continued. “Maybe not at the same rate as Biggie’s beef, but that’s the point about risk. You don’t want to test these streets.”
This isn’t the first and certainly won’t be the last time Ari Melber will be quoting rap lyrics on his The Beat show. He has in the past quoted lyrics from Drake, Kanye West and Pusha T, and has also invited a few rappers as guest on his show.
He has received a few smoke about it as well. In a previous interview with The Breakfast Club Melber said he’s just being true to himself.
“I don’t think quoting lyrics is different from any other number of several things people face and you kind of just have to decide that,” he said.
“I’m corny…. The first rule of journalism is also the first rule of hip hop, which is keep it real,” he continued. “And so if you’re a nerd be a nerd. And if you love something explain why you love it.”
“What’s Beef” appeared on The Notorious B.I.G.’s sophomore and final album “Life After Death.” Released sixteen days after his death. “Life After Death” featured collaborations with Jay-Z, Lil’ Kim, Mase, Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, Too $hort, D.M.C. of Run-D.M.C., R. Kelly, The Lox, and Puff Daddy.
The album sold 690,000 copies in its first week. You can revisit the album below.