It seems that the Russian Dictator For Life, Vladimir Putin, has decided to increase his popularity by hanging out with Russian rap stars. This former KGB boss and general tough guy has a flare for populist activities like bear and tiger hunting, fishing, skiing, and even flirting with Moscow actresses.
He is greatly popular in Russia but not amongst intellectuals or liberals since they identify him with the old school dictators of the past. For example former world chess champion Garry Kasparov was beaten and arrested for protesting against Putin – Putin is not afraid for people to know that he is boss. Putin rules Russia with an iron fist – selecting his lacky and former campaign manager Dimitry Medvedev to be President. In any case, can you imagine our leaders in the West, like Obama, performing with today’s rap stars? Not likely.