Russian prime minister embraces hip-hop in effort to win over young people

	Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, right, takes part at the filming of a show for Russia's music television channel on Friday, Nov. 13. Putin appeared on Muz-TV last week to hand out awards and declare that Russian hip-hoppers can help fight drugs and other problems of young people.  View related photos
Alexei Nikolsky / AP

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updated 3:44 p.m. ET, Tues., Nov . 17, 2009

MOSCOW - Putin in da house? Da! He's tracked Siberian tigers wearing military camouflage, sat in the cockpit of a fighter jet, and shown off black-belt judo moves. Now Vladimir Putin is adding another groove to his tough guy persona: hip-hop idol.

Since the Russian leader popped up last week on a music TV show surrounded by rappers, some in the Kremlin elite are following his lead. On Tuesday, lawmakers and musicians staged a "rap battle for justice" that included a freestyle message urging President Dmitry Medvedev to fight corruption and other problems faced by everyday Russians.

Putin, a self-described "jungle" kid hardened in fights on the mean streets of St. Petersburg, appeared on Muz-TV to hand out awards and declare that Russian hip-hoppers can help fight drugs and other problems of the youth.