Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 06-23-2009 01:43 AM
I tell a story about my time on the Moon now, The sky was black even though the sun shined on, The moonwalk was such a trip -- it's so fine, When you're walking in the lunar dust.
It took us four days riding in a rocket, To set foot for the very first time, I'm going to tell you about the meaning of it all, We came in peace for all mankind.
Buzz Aldrin will appear on NBC's Today Show on Tuesday, June 23 to discuss his new memoirs, "Magnificent Desolation: The Long Journey Home From The Moon" and debut his behind-the-scenes video for "Rocket Experience", recorded for Funny or Die.
Aldrin's rap, which is now available as an mp3 through iTunes, was composed with the help of rapper Snoop Dogg, according to a New York Times' interview with the moonwalker.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
Apologies to American Idol's Randy Jackson, but yo, dawg, check it! MC Buzz is out of this world and in the house. And, admittedly, just a little bit pitchy.
Astronaut Buzz Aldrin, 79, who has had his share of rendezvous with pop culture, launches three projects today, including a rap video that features Snoop Dogg, Soulja Boy and Quincy Jones. What can the real Buzz Lightyear be thinking?
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 06-23-2009 09:19 AM
Lisa Cannon, Aldrin's stepdaughter, back-up singer and rap scribe, posted a comment to the song's iTunes page:
I had a lot of fun writing this song for Buzz -- and he did a great job recording it, with the help of some serious rappers. Buzz hopes all of you will ride on a rocket someday to experience space. Remember a portion of the proceeds goes to the nonprofit Sharespace Foundation, and to benefit these charities: National Space Society, Planetary Society, and Astronaut Scholarship Foundation.
AJ Member
Posts: 511 From: Plattsburgh, NY, United States Registered: Feb 2009
posted 06-23-2009 11:04 AM
Funny idea, but honestly annoying to watch.
Jay Member
Posts: 82 From: Bloomington, Illinois, USA Registered: May 2005
posted 06-23-2009 11:59 AM
Actually pretty entertaining... and kudos for using quality footage and images!
posted 06-23-2009 01:36 PM
I'm in shock... why wasn't Neil Armstrong singing along too? Is Buzz becoming the next William (I put pride in my back pocket years ago) Shatner?
Paul23 Member
Posts: 836 From: South East, UK Registered: Apr 2008
posted 06-23-2009 01:49 PM
I couldn't even watch all the way through that, it's made me feel a bit sick to be honest. It was worse than the Anfield Rap! (Probably a Brits only reference that one!)
E2M Lem Man Member
Posts: 846 From: Los Angeles CA. USA Registered: Jan 2005
posted 06-23-2009 01:54 PM
Aw, come on, tt was great to see Buzz rap!
This is a new arena for our hero and he is approaching the youth on new grounds that many Apollo-era cannot fathom. But neither could the 50's era be understood by the 20's era either.
Buzz, you go dog!
Leon Ford Member
Posts: 309 From: Shreveport, LA, United States Registered: Nov 1999
posted 06-23-2009 02:17 PM
Why do this? Very sad.
Frederic Janik Member
Posts: 320 From: Helsinki, Finland Registered: Jul 2000
posted 06-23-2009 02:34 PM
I don't have any problem with this - he seems to be having a good time, and if he can do it, why not?
And it's nice to have some active moonwalkers today, it would be boring if they were all retired from the media.
divemaster Member
Posts: 1376 From: ridgefield, ct Registered: May 2002
posted 06-23-2009 02:47 PM
Some things are just wrong.
However, I can just HEAR Wally's response in my head.
Paul23 Member
Posts: 836 From: South East, UK Registered: Apr 2008
posted 06-23-2009 02:58 PM
I'm glad someone like Buzz makes himself so available through signing events, books, documentaries etc. Even amongst the moon landing missions Apollo 11 was something unique and given that Neil and Mike are not the easiest to get access to I am very thankful that Buzz is someone that it is possible to meet and to understand the man behind the public face.
But please Buzz no more rapping (or for that matter swinging, jiving, scatting, crooning, crimping, beat boxing or even Shatner-esque spoken word meanderings)!
posted 06-23-2009 03:35 PM
I am all for anything that will help gain attention to the space program. If it takes Buzz doing rap that is fine.
medaris Member
Posts: 181 From: United Kingdom Registered: Mar 2007
posted 06-23-2009 04:02 PM
I wasn't too taken with the rap, but I don't object to Buzz's right to do it.
For my money, it's a buyer's market. No one has to buy Buzz products. While I suspect he takes up a bit of the strain from the limited / unaffordable Armstrong items, I like the Buzz items I own in their own right. I'm pleased to have him in my collection - although I won't be adding the rap track to my personal collection...
gliderpilotuk Member
Posts: 3398 From: London, UK Registered: Feb 2002
posted 06-23-2009 04:23 PM
Great choice of partner in Snoop Dog: banned from entering Australia; refused a visa by the UK; banned for life from British Airways... substance abuse, guns, violent disorder... perfect role model, just perfect.
JPSastro Member
Posts: 170 From: Tucson, Arizona Registered: Jan 2009
posted 06-23-2009 04:29 PM
Saw Aldrin's appearance on the Today Show this morning. He had to get a plug in for his website. I also am tired of "all things Buzz".
He is an accomplished individual. But the rap song? Cute, but why? Egos are egos.
My opinion is further established after reading "Apollo Missions: The Unsung Heroes" and the chapter on Richard Underwood, NASA Chief of Photography.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 06-23-2009 04:55 PM
quote:Originally posted by JPSastro: But the rap song? Cute, but why?
The idea, as alluded to in USA Today, was apparently Lisa Cannon's, who as noted earlier is Aldrin's stepdaughter, a former professional singer and the person who wrote the rap.
"I'm not too good at carrying a tune, but I do have rhythm," says Aldrin, who got the idea from a family member who felt the genre would have a broad reach. "I want kids interested in space. It's their future."
The site behind the videos, Funny or Die, founded by Will Ferrell and Adam McKay's production company, has a large following and a reputation for showing celebrities doing things they normally wouldn't.
Rick Mulheirn Member
Posts: 4167 From: England Registered: Feb 2001
posted 06-23-2009 05:27 PM
Take it for what it is guys; a bit of fun in aid of a good cause.
Classic "Dad dancing" from Buzz! I'm just pleased to see Buzz does not always take himself so seriously...
MCroft04 Member
Posts: 1634 From: Smithfield, Me, USA Registered: Mar 2005
posted 06-23-2009 05:29 PM
If you haven't noticed, all of the astronauts are different, with their own personalities. I like John Young, but if all astronauts were like him it would get pretty boring. Rap isn't my kind of music, but I respect Buzz for stepping out and doing something different. He's 79 years old for crying out loud; let him have some fun without criticism!
AJ Member
Posts: 511 From: Plattsburgh, NY, United States Registered: Feb 2009
posted 06-23-2009 07:12 PM
I may not like the rap and I agree that Buzz is a cool guy and does a great job at being an ambassador for space, but I think too many people, and at certain events, he comes across not as an ambassador, or a guy having fun, but rather a guy cashing in. Some people may not agree with that, but that is a valid reaction that I've encountered in a number of people. I have a certain amount of sympathy and as well as affection for Buzz and I'm looking forward to seeing him at NASM in July, but I don't have too many illusions about him or other astronauts at this point.
SpaceAholic Member
Posts: 4437 From: Sierra Vista, Arizona Registered: Nov 1999
posted 06-23-2009 07:26 PM
quote:Originally posted by gliderpilotuk: ...perfect role model, just perfect.
My immediate thought as well...
AstroAutos Member
Posts: 803 From: Co. Monaghan, Republic of Ireland Registered: Mar 2009
posted 06-23-2009 07:30 PM
That is the most disturbing thing I have ever seen/heard in my life.
posted 06-23-2009 10:41 PM
Buzz certainly has the right to have some fun or help charities in any way he wishes. And people here are right, he does a lot to push space exploration, certainly more than Neil Armstrong does. However, I think this rap song was a bit undiginified, and I am glad in this instance that he was not the first man on the moon.
posted 06-24-2009 04:28 AM
Uh, well, I would love to hear what Mike Collins has to say about this.
I have always thought that the lure of exploration in itself would lure youngsters into spaceflight, but obviously we need Snoop Dogg to help us get them interested.
Anyway, I do honor Aldrin's efforts as the earnings will go to a variety of good causes like the ASF.
garymilgrom Member
Posts: 1966 From: Atlanta, GA Registered: Feb 2007
posted 06-24-2009 06:53 AM
I started watched this thinking much like others... oh dear, what is he doing? But I wound up admiring Buzz's energy, ability and attitude to this opportunity. Buzz is certainly his own man, but he is reaching out every way he (or his publicist) can think of to other people, trying to stimulate interest in space. Many of us get satisfaction from similar outreaches.
Go Buzz!
Max Q Member
Posts: 399 From: Whyalla South Australia Registered: Mar 2007
posted 06-24-2009 07:10 AM
Hey I dont like the Tune so I will not be going out of my way to hear it again. But more power to Buzz I say.
jimsz Member
Posts: 616 From: Registered: Aug 2006
posted 06-24-2009 07:53 AM
An old guy performing a mediocre rap song is not going to build an interest in space exploration. Teens and kids are not morons just because they are young.
If Mr. Aldrin wishes to perform a rap song, that's up to him. If he wishes to appear on everything hawking his website, that's fine too. For whatever reason he seems to enjoy the spotlight and is willing to do what it takes to remain there. That's his choice.
Personally, that's not for me but if it works for Mr. Aldrin, again, that's his choice. Just please, no reality TV role because that's just about all that is left for the man to do.
garymilgrom Member
Posts: 1966 From: Atlanta, GA Registered: Feb 2007
posted 06-24-2009 08:41 AM
Buzz is an outgoing person who speaks what's on his mind - period. Look at the wonderful help he's given to others with his honest writing on depression and alcoholism. His current focus is getting young people to look skyward - terrific! This wonderful country needs such help - our kids lag the world in maths and engeering; and a rap song might influence more kids than another lecture. **Might** is the operative word because we need to explore every avenue for stimulating kids on space.
I think Neil's private and Buzz's outgoing personalities are a great complement to each other. NASA could not have picked a better first landing team, and America is fortunate to have them both.
xlsteve Member
Posts: 391 From: Holbrook MA, USA Registered: Jul 2008
posted 06-24-2009 10:18 AM
I, too, thought the rap was a bit silly, and what some people have said about Buzz's over-exposure resonates with me (and I've posted about it on another thread here). But Buzz is not answerable to me or anyone else for doing what he feels he needs to, and I am certainly not in a position to evaluate his motives. I may not always agree with everything he does, but he has definitely earned the right for me to cut him some slack. I've come to the conclusion, as others have said here, "Buzz is Buzz." Robert's comment about Buzz's celebrity pushing us towards the Moon and Mars is a valid one. At the end of the day I think we're better for his being here and doing what he does, warts and all, than not.
Matt T Member
Posts: 1368 From: Chester, Cheshire, UK Registered: May 2001
posted 06-24-2009 03:16 PM
I'm not going to watch the Buzz rap because it's of no interest to me. That said, I'm still all for him recording it; I'm also all for Buzz writing emotionally frank biographies and simple and direct children's books. I just pick the things he produces that interest me.
Is he too hard sell? Probably yes. So are Coca Cola, Snickers, McDonalds etc but no-one reading this has to ask what those names mean. By putting himself out there so much the same is true for Buzz; if he then chooses to trade upon his own name to talk, write, rap, sing or yodel about space travel then, again - I'm all for it.
spaceheaded Member
Posts: 147 From: MD Registered: Feb 2003
posted 06-24-2009 04:00 PM
My first thought was this was just plain funny. And for a 79-year-old to do rap, well, Dr. Aldrin, you are right on! What a great way to attract attention to spaceflight! Yeah, Buzz is Buzz. Personality-wise no Al Bean, but he's working hard at this great mission of his, and I admire him for that. My daughter listened and said, "finally, rap without killing, sex, and drugs!"
divemaster Member
Posts: 1376 From: ridgefield, ct Registered: May 2002
posted 06-24-2009 06:40 PM
While I have made my views on this well known, I can't help but think of the two absolute classics, that I feel were in GOOD taste.
Wally Schirra selling Actifed
Pete Conrad's American Express commercial
Priceless.
thracer New Member
Posts: 9 From: Atlanta, GA USA Registered: Jun 2009
posted 06-25-2009 04:29 PM
Reminds me of Dr. Evil's rap in Austin Powers.
I despise rap, but you gotta give Buzz credit for doing something pretty cool and out of the ordinary here.
posted 06-26-2009 10:22 PM
Let's be honest here -- "Commercial Buzz" is just a product of our culture. If nobody were interested in him, he'd just be a historical figure waiting to die. In a sense he's our own creation.
I agree with those who say on balance Buzz is beneficial to keep the accomplishment and its promise in the public consciousness as long as possible. I think he may seem oversaturated to us because we tend to notice everything he does more so than the average eathling.
driftingtotheright unregistered
posted 06-27-2009 11:17 AM
"You will often meet with characters in nature so extravagant that a discreet poet would not venture to set them upon the stage" Lord Chesterfield
Ah, but they can so capture our attention. Best wishes and long life, Buzz.
Kevmac Member
Posts: 267 From: College Station, TX Registered: Apr 2003
posted 06-27-2009 12:01 PM
Yeah, that's a pretty bad piece of "music"(?). Most of the words don't even rhyme! I blame Snoop Dogg...totally his fault. I've lost all respect for him and won't be buying any more of his albums!
ASCAN1984 Member
Posts: 1049 From: County Down, Nothern Ireland Registered: Feb 2002
posted 06-28-2009 10:49 AM
I think this rap is a great idea as it will hopeful bring a new generation into the wonderful word of spaceflight and help a few young people to want to better themselves. Great idea and really funny!
posted 06-23-2009 01:43 AM
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