Dr Dre made an unexpected audio appearance at Derby City Council this weekThe bizarre moment councillors enter meeting to Dr Dre and Snoop Dog
Officials have defended playing a gangsta-rap song at Derby City Council’s Mayor Making ceremony – despite the song’s lyrics containing offensive racial language and expletives.
The annual and historic Derby Mayor Making ceremony this week began in somewhat bizarre fashion when the intro of Dr Dre and Snoop Dogg’s hit “Still D.R.E” blasted through the speakers.
The song is littered with swear words from the outset and touches on topics such as drug use, “representing gangstas” and “not loving police”.
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However, none of the lyrics were played out when councillors and officials entered the council chamber to start the civic ceremony – a long tradition in Derby – with an instrumental section played instead.
The song was the choice of the outgoing mayor – Councillor Ajit Atwal (Liberal Democrat) – as he formally ended his term in office as the city mayor and handed over the reins.
A councillor who attended said the song choice was “highly inappropriate” for the occasion.
But in a statement, the city council said playing the short instrumental segment “does not represent an endorsement of the full track or its lyrics”.
The annual Derby City Council mayor making ceremony was held on Wednesday (May 20)(Image: Derbyshire Live)
It added allowing a choice of songs brings a “personal touch” and a “modern twist” to the formal ceremony.
A spokesperson for Derby City Council said: “The annual Mayor Making ceremony includes a brief musical selection chosen by both the outgoing and incoming mayors.
“This personal touch is coordinated with the civic team in advance to bring a light-hearted element to an otherwise formal and traditional event.
“On this occasion, only a short instrumental segment was played during the ceremony, which does not represent an endorsement of the full track or its lyrics.
“The focus of the event remains on celebrating the transition of office and the outgoing mayor’s dedicated service, having worked tirelessly for the community over the past year.
“We support our civic leaders in bringing their own personalities and a modern twist to these historic roles.”
The shocked councillor, who wished to be anonymous, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS): “It’s highly inappropriate. I was a bit shocked. I thought they chose the wrong track.”
A video clip showing the moment the song’s intro was played out has been shared across social media.
Discussion about the incident appeared on the conversation app Reddit. A thread of the conversation was titled “Cannot believe this is real”.
Facebook comments were mixed about the playing of the song.
One person who commented said: “Seriously? There is a time and place and the officers should have more common sense.”
Another person said: “How civilised….”
But others did not disapprove. One user said: “Absolute banger, fair play to them.”
And another said: “Who cares about the music? It’s how they work and what they do that matters.”
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