Rani G. Whitfield, M.D., a board certified family
physician with a Certificate of Added Qualification in sports medicine, has
become known as "Tha Hip Hop Doc" or "H2D" to many of the
young adults in his hometown of Baton Rouge, Louisiana where he practices
medicine. Dr. Whitfield is an impassioned advocate for increasing the
awareness of health-related issues, including HIV/AIDS, obesity, cardiovascular
disease, and substance abuse. His mission is to improve social
conditions and health care services for African-American youth and parents. By
combining hip-hop culture and health messages,Dr. Whitfield empowers individuals to change unhealthy lifestyles. He is
creating a solution to the health and social challenges young urban communities
face by offering a forum and a voice for our youth to discover alternative
solutions. He is the founder of the "Hip-Hop Medical Moment,” a one-minute
audio series on pertinent medical topics. This highly sought after
lecturer delivers dynamic presentations on preventative medicine, teen
pregnancy, physical fitness, drugs of sexual assault, HIV/AIDS, discrepancies
in health care, and diabetes.
In his private practice, Dr. Whitfield concentrates on family medicine. Daily,
he diagnoses and treats hypertension, diabetes, and cholesterol problems. He
performs more than 200 pre-participation physicals each year and coordinates
care for athletes (insured or uninsured). Additionally, Dr. Whitfield is the
medical director of both Cenikor Foundation, a long-term inpatient substance
abuse treatment center, and Set Free Indeed, an outpatient faith-based
substance abuse treatment center. Dr. Whitfield is also one of two physicians
responsible for the health care of the inmates at East Baton Rouge Parish
Prison. With these, he still finds time to volunteer as team physician for the
Southern University Laboratory Kittens, Southern
University Men's Baseball, Southern
University Women's Basketball, USA
Boxing, and the 14th Street
Boxing Club.
In 1996, Dr. Whitfield received a medical degree with honors from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee.
Thereafter, he completed an internship and residency in family medicine at St
Elizabeth's MedicalCenter in Dayton, Ohio in 1999 and a sports medicine fellowship at OhioStateUniversity in 2000. He
earned a bachelor of science degree with honors from Southern University and A&MCollege
in Baton Rouge, Louisiana,
in 1992, after one year at North Florida Junior
College on basketball and vocal music scholarships.
Dr. Whitfield is an active member of the AmericanAcademy of Family Practice, AmericanCollege of Sports Medicine, American
Medical Society of Sports Medicine, Louisiana State Medical Society, and East
Baton Rouge Parish Medical Society. He is a board member of the State of Louisiana
Governor's Council for Physical Fitness and Sports, Mayor Kip Holden's HIV/AIDS
Task Force, Baton Rouge General Hospital Ethics Committee, Louisiana Medicare
Clinical Advisory Board, Cenikor Foundation
Inc., and the American Heart Association National Board-Southeastern
Affiliates. He is also a consultant for AOL Black Voices and writes a
monthly column for EUR Web (www.eurweb.com).
Dr. Whitfield has been featured on BET's
number one hip-hop show, 106 and Park, to
discuss HIV, HIV testing, and World AIDS Day. He also appeared on the PBS’s Religion and
Ethics Weekly and discussed faith-based and other substance abuse
treatment. He also appeared on I-Village with stroke survivor and nationally
acclaimed weatherman Mark McEwen
discussing stroke and heart disease. Dr. Whitfield was also the medical
consultant for www.bet.com and has conducted a national online chat discussing
World AIDS Day. In the most important book ever written about HIV/ AIDS in the
African American community, Not In My Family, includes his
views on this important topic along with those of Omar Tyree, Jesse Jackson,
Jr., Byron Cage, Al Sharpton, and Patti Labelle, just to name a few.
To further his mission of educating youth through music, “Tha’ Hip-Hip Doctor” launched
this website in April 2005. As a result of these efforts he appears in Time
Warner's The Power Forward campaign, a communication that honors successful
African Americans during Black History Month and has also received several
other awards from the YMCA Black Achievers Award, American Heart Association
Ambassador Award, Links Trailblazer Award. Dr. Whitfield was the on-air health
consultant for New Orleans’
"Old School" 102.9FM until Hurricane Katrina. He answered questions
on HIV/AIDS awareness, sleep apnea, male pattern baldness, and cardiovascular
disease. As a member of the American Heart Association, Dr. Whitfield ran a
marathon and conducted a citywide "Get Dr. Whitfield Out of Jail"
campaign. Both efforts used radio segments and television appearances to educate
the community about heart disease and strokes. Through these efforts, he raised
more than $21,000 locally to support of stroke victims.
Despite all of his commitments to his medical practice and the community, he
still finds time to pursue his hobbies. For music, Dr. Whitfield is the bass
player and part-time vocalist for the R&B/Blues/Funk band "Black
Ice." For his own health, he finds time to exercise independently, as
well as with his personal trainer Bill Downs. He also participates with his
fraternity Alpha Phi Alpha, Inc. in their "old school" step shows
when time permits. For his sports fill, he regularly plays basketball with
Rani's Rim Rocker's (his YMCA team), trains with the "old goats" on weekends
at Broadmoor High School, and is currently in preparing for USA Track and Field
Masters 400 meter run. Dr. Whitfield created his own "docu-drama,"
A Tale of Two Soles, is working on his first book, and is in the studio with
students and friends working on a musical project. His most crowning accomplishment
is his beautiful daughter Raina.
Many would agree with the fact that Hip-Hop has moved beyond the boundaries of urban genre and rap music. Its generational appeal has cut across a rich cultural spectrum, encompassing Blacks, Whites, Hispanics, and Asians.
It is now considered a lifestyle and one that has emerged as a powerful brand, transcending traditional ethnic and economic backgrounds. Hip-hop has become a global language in an increasingly multicultural world and is the culture of today's youth. With this fact in mind, it is obvious that the mass appeal of the hip-hop format carries with it a street credibility. That's why hip-hop music and hip-hop stars are very effective advertising mediums. Today’s role models have changed from athletes to hip-hop stars. They can be seen and heard all over television, radio, and magazines promoting certain causes and products. As Tha’ Hip-Hop Doc, I chose to use this medium to empower young adults to make life changing decisions that promote longevity and health conscious living..
My earliest recollection of hip-hop music is mixed somewhere between the hit rap song "Rapper's Delight" by the Sugar Hill Gang and waking up watching Soul Train with my brothers Eric and Kevin and my sister Gigi on a Saturday morning. We all enjoyed music, including my parents, and at least once in our lives each of us has performed on stage (bands, step shows, plays, you name it).
Growing up in the Whitfield household was quite musical. Each morning, and usually pretty early, we would wake up to the sound of music. On the weekends my mother, Shirley, would cook and clean while playing her 8-tracks or LPs (albums). We’d listen to a diverse group of musicians and performers: Stevie Wonder, Bob Marley, Richard Pryor, Marvin Gaye, Miles Davis, Lena Horne, Bill Cosby, Jesse Belvin, B.B. King, Bobby Blue Bland, and Betty Carter. My dad, George, kept the radio on in the garage closet while doing yard work. This synthesis of music with life was simply an integral part of growing up. I remember when my oldest brother, Eric, brought home a Michael Franks' album entitled "One Bad Habit" (if you saw the cover, you would understand). We thought he was crazy until we listened to Franks' creative style.
Around the age of 12 or 13, I was involved in the school band, playing trumpet and tuba as well as rapping around town with my "crew". We named ourselves the Concord Crew after the neighborhood and "wrote" our own lyrics. We even sang a little, mimicking the sounds of New Edition and Ready for the World. Run DMC was my favorite rap group at the time. The back and forth style they used was different and caught everyone's attention. We tried it all: mixing, scratching, break dancing, and pop locking. And, of course, the gear; from parachute pants, do-rags, Panama Jack muscle shirts, Hush Puppies with silk socks, and dark blue, starched, hard-ironed Calvin Klein jeans. The haircuts were unique as well: from the flat top, to the fade, to the Ivy League, and of course special designs and parts cut in all types of places. It makes me smile when I see the youngsters today searching for the "new" look: throw backs, dog tags, Timberland's, FUBU, Rock-A-Wear, baller bands. etc. They are not only repeating what we did, they are redefining who they are through lyrics and fashion.
Music, especially hip hop and R&B, has significantly influenced my life. I can not remember one single experience where music was not in some way associated or involved in everything that I did. In an article discussing the success of rap music, Geffen recording artist Talib Kweli said, "It's spiritual, the language of the oppressed. Look closely, and you'll see it's actually the most powerful form of folk music in existence." The clothing, style, and languageof hip-hop have become infectious to some and repulsive to others. But whether you like it or not, it is here to stay. From Kirk Franklin incorporating hip-hop beats, chants and artists into his gospel music and videos to Tom Jones doing a duet with hip hop artist D'Angelo, hip-hop everywhere. As proof of the power of this acceptance across all ethnicities, October of 2004 was a significant milestone in the era of urban music: 10 positions on Billboard's Top 100 Singles chart were dominated by hip-hop/R&B artists including two songs by Beyonce, Nelly, Chingy, Lil’ Jon, Pharrell, Fabolous, 50 Cent, The Black Eyed Peas, and the YoungBloodz. Their presence speaks volumes about how America has not only embraced but adapted to the rhythms and beats that reflect our African heritage and the contemporary voice of urban America.
I am now in two bands, where I play bass guitar, fiddle around with the piano, attempt to write music, and occasionally do some vocals. Depending on the day and my mood, while riding in my truck, you might hear rap, reggae, house, jazz, classical, or alternative music. I can find something that I like about most genres of music.
My love for music and for a better place–a better world—is what inspired me to create this website. I can only do what I know and love; and I love music and working with young adults and teenagers. They have so much potential and a lot to offer us "old folk". The work I do with my students and student/athletes is free, but I get paid-off by them daily. I use their energy, ideas, and creativity to keep me going and to give me insight on an ever-changing world. It is my hope that this site will be fun and educational to those who may be just a little different; just like me. Thank you. And the beat goes on......
