Court opened investigation into Sanchez's wife in response to a complaint by anti-corruption pressure group, whose leader is linked to the far right
europe2 hours ago
Prokhorov, who shares ownership of the New Jersey Nets basketball team with U.S. rapper Jay-Z, took to the microphone on a Russian television show two weeks ago.
On Thursday, a YouTube video of his performance was widely circulated on Twitter by rap fans, sports writers and young Russians charmed by somber-faced Prokhorov’s rare moment of silliness.
His performance was a marked contrast to Prime Minister Vladimir Putin’s campaign rally the same day, at which he delivered a patriotic address to tens of thousands of people in a football stadium.
Putin is all but certain to win the March 4 election as four other contenders, including Prokhorov, are trailing far behind. Only 6 percent of respondents said they would vote for Prokhorov, according to polling results released Friday by Russia’s leading independent polling company.
Prokhorov is a newcomer to the political stage and the only challenger who is not a veteran party leader. For many Russians, the 46-year-old bachelor businessman with an estimated fortune of $18 billion is an intriguing fresh face in the race.
His candidacy has been viewed as a Kremlin-approved effort to add legitimacy to the election and channel public discontent highlighted by massive protest rallies. Prokhorov denies the suggestion, saying he’s out for a real fight.
“I am a project of my parents,” he told reporters who asked if he was a Kremlin proxy at a campaign event Thursday.
At the event, a meeting with veterans to commemorate Russia’s Defenders of the Fatherland holiday, Prokhorov showed the soft-spoken composure that has characterized his campaign. Since registering as a presidential candidate in late January, he has refrained from criticizing Putin directly and has said he would consider serving as Putin’s prime minister.
Meanwhile, Internet audiences were abuzz about Prokhorov’s more playful image, which came out during a guest appearance on “Projector Paris Hilton,” a comedy show on Russia’s state-run Channel One.
Hosts of the show invited Prokhorov to join them in a brief rap in English and Russian about his own business venture, yo-Mobile.
They introduce Prokhorov as Russia’s new rapping billionaire as they sit at a large, boardroom-style table, surrounded by large garishly decorated lamps and mirrors.
“Mr. Jay Z this is a first presentation of real rap music from Russian Federation,” one host raps.
“Mr. Jay Z, I am not alone,” he continues, with Prokhorov rapping back “Mikhail Prokhorov on the microphone!”
Reading his lines from a sheet of paper, Prokhorov taps his foot and awkwardly pumps his fist to the beat as all four men bob their heads in attempted unison.
Prokhorov, whose 6-foot 8-inch frame towers over the others even while seated, continues with a fist in the air and the declaration “I am real Russian Eminem.”
The video circulated on Twitter and was reposted on several sports websites. Commentators acknowledged Prokhorov’s performance as both horrible and charming.
Court opened investigation into Sanchez's wife in response to a complaint by anti-corruption pressure group, whose leader is linked to the far right
europe2 hours ago
Chang'e-6 to return with soil samples from moon's far side; the mission expected to last 53 days
asia2 hours ago
The breed, prized for profitability and an ability to adapt to climate change, garners celebrity status in the Central Asian country
asia3 hours ago
Thousands of schools have suspended classes due to the heat, affecting more than 3.6 million students, education ministry data shows
asia3 hours ago
Despite the growing market share of domestic automakers, Teslas remain among the best-selling EVs in the Asian country
auto3 hours ago
The entire plan will see cow-breeding and poultry projects come up near the massive wheat farm and the dairy farm will form the third phase
uae3 hours ago
Modi, 73, remains resoundingly popular after a decade in office, and he is widely expected to win a third term
asia3 hours ago
With over seven years of experience in branding and social media, and three years in motion graphics and editing, Arkan's expertise spans a wide range of creative domains
kt network3 hours ago