Written by Ben Z @WI608

When most people think of hip-hop, they rarely think of health and fitness. However, many artists are showing off newly toned physiques and publicly demonstrating healthier lifestyles. With Missy Elliott's slimmed down body during the recent Super Bowl Halftime Show, Rick Ross's 100 pound weight loss, and Common's unabashedly healthy lifestyle, it is evident that hip-hop is making strides toward healthier living. Maybe people should start thinking of health and hip-hop together.

One might wonder why it has taken so long for hip-hop to embrace physical fitness and health awareness. While there is no single answer, many signs point towards the urban poverty that hip-hop has its roots in. Poverty often leads to disparities in health education and the availability of fresh healthy food sources. We are all familiar with the inequality of education available to those in poverty, but that is not the only problem. There are thousands of neighborhoods where fresh fruits and vegetables are not available affordably or even at all. These are known as “food deserts”. The USDA estimates that 23.5 million Americans currently live in a food desert with 13.5 million of those in poverty.

As overwhelming as this problem may seem, many are already taking action. The Lupe Fiasco Foundation is one organization that has taken up fighting for “food justice” through events, funding, and education. Another example is the Hip Hop Public Education Center at Harlem Hospital in New York City where hip-hop is used as a vehicle to communicate and teach stroke symptoms, prevention, and healthy living. Additionally there are thousands of educators and artists working in schools across the nation encouraging young people to make informed decisions about their health. Equipping both young and old to live well and prosper physically is absolutely something hip-hop is cut out for.

Nonetheless, failing to address these issues on a personal level will surely hit home. Houston rapper Paul Wall knows this all too well. He and his wife tell their story of fighting high blood pressure, depression, and obesity in a recent article featured in the Houston Chronicle. The interview finishes with a powerful quote by Paul Wall: "We're trying to be good parents. Knowing what I went through, I don't want my kids to be overweight. We want them to be healthy, happy and know their self worth inside and out."

Another man that can attest to this is Mark “ShaH” Evans; artist manager, consultant, and owner of getyourbuzzup.com. When the doctor informed him that his weight was putting his body at risk of obesity related diseases, he took things into his own hands and decided to fight back — literally. The thought of traditional workouts were not appealing to him so he chose to take up the complex martial art of Muay Thai. Muay Thai is also known as “the art of eight limbs” because fighters utilize their limbs in eight different strike techniques. As ShaH has progressed through his weight loss journey, so has his desire to compete. He is currently training for his first tournament fight with his eye on the championship. In a video posted to his Facebook page ShaH says, “I just know I needed a change.” There is no doubt that he will indeed achieve the change he desires. You can watch his short video “8 Limbs, 1 Heart: The Road to TBA's” below.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WsWpsVFmEAU]
In closing, knowledge is power! Your health and your body belong to you, and you can choose to live however you want. It is up to you and you alone to educate yourself so that you can live a long and productive life. Some simple ways to start are increasing fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet, finding a fitness plan that works for you, and limiting or eliminating the amount of tobacco and alcohol you consume. Other great ways to keep yourself healthy are getting enough sleep, meditation/finding a quiet place to unwind, and surrounding yourself with health- or fitness-minded friends.

Connect with ShaH
www.getyourbuzzup.com
Twitter.com/getyourbuzzup
Facebook.com/MrGetYourBuzzUP

Are you inspired? Have you already been pursuing a healthier life? Comment below with your own fitness stories, inspirations, or other thoughts. We'd also love to hear what songs you think would make the perfect workout playlist!