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Can the federal government do hip-hop? That's the goal of a new ad campaign from the Food and Drug Administration, which aims to embrace the attitude and style of "hip-hop culture" in an effort to dissuade young African Americans, Hispanics and other minority teenagers from smoking. The $128 million "Fresh Empire" campaign, funded by fees on the tobacco industry, will include television ads, local outreach efforts and events featuring DJs and musicians -- all intended to curb smoking among minority teenagers. (Dennis, 10/6)

Government health officials are betting they can adapt the sounds, style and swagger of hip-hop culture to discourage young African Americans, Hispanics and other minority youths from using tobacco. ... FDA officials say research shows young people who identify with hip-hop are more likely to use cigarettes and other tobacco products than their peers. To be sure, hip-hop's origins as an anti-establishment, urban movement seem to clash with the federal government's buttoned-down image. But FDA officials predict they can convincingly pitch their message to hip-hop fans, based on focus group testing. (Perrone, 10/6)