By Gabriela Resto-Montero
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
LOWER EAST SIDE — From one Hip Hop legend to another, mogul Russell Simmons pledged to help cover DJ Kool Herc's recent medical bills.
In a video interview with Kim News Network, Simmons said he'd step in to help Herc pay for care related to kidney stones. Simmons also said that the government needs to do more to make healthcare affordable.
"I'm going to help out Kool Herc as well, yeah, I'm going to be one of them and so will a lot of other hip hoppers," Simmons said to KNN.
"But I don't think it's their job, I think it's the government's job to take care of people who can't afford health care," he said.
Simmons, founder of Def Jam Records, said Herc's situation was a reminder to the hip hop community that health care is still a big issue and musicians should support President Barack Obama's efforts to increase access.
Fans and friends of DJ Kool Herc responded swiftly to reports that the legendary artist, credited with jump starting hip hop in 1973, was sick and couldn't afford his medical bills by throwing a fundraiser last week at Sutra Lounge.
