Council defends use of Dr Dre hit at mayor handover

Derby City Council has defended its decision to play an instrumental version of a Dr Dre track during its annual Mayor Making ceremony after a councillor dubbed it "highly inappropriate".

Outgoing mayor, Liberal Democrat councillor Ajit Atwal, chose the introduction to the rapper's 1999 hit Still D.R.E during the opening of the ceremony on Wednesday in keeping with the tradition of allowing both departing and incoming mayors to select music clips.

The full version of the song, which features Snoop Dogg and reached number six, includes swearing and drug references.

However the authority said using the short instrumental section "does not imply endorsement of the full track or its lyrics".

The council added allowing a choice of songs brought a "personal touch" and a "modern twist" to the formal ceremony.

But a councillor, who asked to remain anonymous, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: "It's highly inappropriate. I was a bit shocked. I thought they chose the wrong track."

The music choice also attracted criticism on social media although others voiced their support.

Following the handover of the mayoral reins from Atwal, his replacement, Conservative councillor Jonathan Smale chose to play the hymn Jerusalem.

A spokesperson for Derby City Council said: "The annual Mayor Making ceremony includes a brief musical selection chosen by both the outgoing and incoming mayors.

"This personal touch is co-ordinated with the civic team in advance to bring a light-hearted element to an otherwise formal and traditional event.

"On this occasion, only a short instrumental segment was played during the ceremony, which does not represent an endorsement of the full track or its lyrics.

"The focus of the event remains on celebrating the transition of office and the outgoing mayor's dedicated service, having worked tirelessly for the community over the past year.

"We support our civic leaders in bringing their own personalities and a modern twist to these historic roles."

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