Rap Legends Join Forces to Advocate for Healthcare Reform

On September 22, 2023, the non-profit Power to the Patients dropped an ad featuring several renowned rappers. The ad included the likes of Busta Rhymes, Chuck D, Fat Joe, Method Man, Rick Ross, and French Montana. Fat Joe has a running relationship with the organization, starring in a Superbowl ad from last year. In the new video, the rappers demand that our elected representatives step up and pass legislation that enforces price transparency in healthcare.

Founded after the 2021 PHS Act, which required hospitals to make prices on drugs and procedures publicly available, Power to the Patients advocates for fair treatment from the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries. Before, the prices were available upon request. Advocates of the new law argue that obfuscating prices can be misleading, causing financial hardship for those unprepared to handle medical fees.

A backslide in progress prompted the creation of the new PSA. “The Lower Costs, More Transparency Act,” a more recent and comprehensive version of a past law, was recently pulled from the House of Representatives. Though regular people overwhelmingly support this type of reform, some Democrats have failed to pledge their support.

In the video, the rappers chime in on the issue. They remind audiences that “for 50 years now, Hip-Hop has been a reflection of culture and society,” adding context to their participation in the PSA. The high cost of healthcare (and the debt that comes with it) disproportionally affect minority communities. As pillars of the culture, the artists saw it as their responsibility to speak up. The rappers assert their support for the cause and their community: “Today, we confront a healthcare system that has been rigged against all of us. Hospitals force patients to sign contracts for services without ever showing us actual prices, stifling competition, and overcharging without accountability… we demand prices and transparency in healthcare.”

José Zamora

Jose Zamora is a writer and creator from Boston, MA. He has been a music nerd since middle school when he started his record collection. His passion for Hip-hop began when he discovered legends like Nas and Gang Starr and became obsessed with up-and-coming acts like Kendrick Lamar and A$AP Mob.

He is a recently graduated, up-coming journalist, passionate about music and culture. He is always keeping an eye out for the next big thing and is eager to put their talent in the spotlight for others to enjoy. He believes firmly that “Good art deserves to be talked about.”