Apparently badger culls are a really controversial topic in the United Kingdom these days, but that shouldn’t excuse this rap track “Badger Swagger” (rap game badger?), which was created to raise awareness of the British government’s plan to install badger culls. The plot will kill off thousands of the cute little critters in efforts to prevent the spread of bovine disease, since badgers carrying tuberculosis are blamed for nearly 40,000 cattle deaths in England.
“Badger Swagger,” released in June, is a collaborative project involving David Attenborough, Brian May, Slash (Slash!), Shara Nelson, and Kerry Ellis. The track is listed simply under the moniker Artful Badger. Reportedly May and Slash recorded the song with singer Ellis and producer Rob Cass, with the former GnR guitarist adding his parts remotely from Los Angeles. We’re not even sure where Slash shows up in the song.
“Badger Swagger”is available for download here, with all proceeds going to badger protection agencies. To sign the petition and learn more about the cull, check out getoffmybadger.com.
In the meantime, gaze befuddled at the video above. It’s like the Streets meets Backyardigans.
But go badgers!