Cosby prepares "unflinching" hip-hop album

Bill Cosby speaks at the Children's Defense Fund's National Summit at Howard University in Washington September 25, 2007.

LOS ANGELES (Billboard) - Comedian Bill Cosby's hip-hop album, described as an "unflinching look at life in the 21st century, but without the profanity, misogyny, violence and braggadocio" is expected to reach stores within the next several weeks, a spokesman said.

"Cosby Narratives Vol. 1: State of Emergency" is designed as a companion to Cosby's provocative book "Come on People: On the Path From Victims to Victors," which he co-wrote with Dr. Alvin Poussaint last year.

The album weaves hip-hop, jazz, pop, funk and other genres around frank, positive messages drawn from Cosby's lyrics, stories and musical ideas.

Cosby does not rap or sing on the album. He is on board as executive producer and co-writer. His collaborators include longtime musical colleague Bill "Spaceman" Patterson and Patterson's partner, Ced-Gee, co-founder of the hip-hop group Ultramagnetic MCs.

Guests include such newcomer MCs as SupaNova Slom, Jace the Great and Brother Hahz. Selections include the New Orleans-jazzed "Where's the Parade" (a celebration of womanhood), the funky-soul "Dads Behind the Glass" and R&B-vibed "Get on Your Job."

Reuters/Billboard