Despite previous claims, rapper Afroman really does care.
In 2001, Afroman's controversial tune "Because I Got High" took over the radio airwaves. But now the rapper is back to clear the smoky air.
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The original tune takes a comedic approach to stoners and marijuana culture. However, the song stereotypes weed enthusiasts into lazy, irresponsible criminals that can't uphold life's normal responsibilities because they got high. Painting present-day pot users in such a fashion is the last thing that marijuana law reformers want.
So Afroman teamed up with the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, a.k.a. NORML, and Weedmaps (basically the Yelp of legal marijuana dispensaries) to remake his 2001 hit with a more positive and accurate message.
"With the current political battle with states trying to legalize weed, I thought it was a good time to educate – or set the record straight – about marijuana’s benefits, which is why I wanted to remake the song," Afroman tells Rolling Stone
NORML tagged the song's release with its campaign, dubbed Smoke the Vote, which is raising awareness for the upcoming 2014 elections in which Alaska, Oregon and Washington D.C. will vote on the legalization of marijuana for adults. Florida is also included, as the state will vote on marijuana for medical purposes only.
To refresh your memory, the original version of "Because I Got High" can be viewed below.