Dr. James R. Gordon, a Westchester ophthalmologist and cosmetic eyelid surgeon, decided in 2005 that it was time to combine two of his seemingly divergent passions: medicine and rap music.
Adopting the rap name “MC MD,” Gordon, who has won numerous awards throughout his medical career, began translating that success into upbeat and educational songs. His lyrics, spanning topics such as bullying, smoking, and self-love, aim to inspire kids to make healthy choices “through a medium,” Gordon says, “where a lot of the influences have been negative.”
While Gordon’s music is motivational, formatted as bits of anecdotal advice, an element of humor—tinged with gruesome reality—is also not lost on the combination doctor-musician. His song “Don’t Burn,” an anthem against smoking, features sharp lines like, “but you thought you were invincible, thought you were cool. Now, thanks to throat cancer, you’re choking on drool.” Punctuated with catchy synth notes, the contrast in delivery of comedy vs. warning creates a truly unique approach.
Gordon’s talent has been confirmed by rap star LL Cool J, who encouraged him to continue exercising his talents after seeing one of Gordon’s demos. Per an invite from the American Health Front, a rap performance and interview by Gordon will air on WCBS Channel 2 on November 29.
Gordon’s medical prestige has landed him on lists of U.S. News & World Report Top Doctors and Castle Connolly Top Doctors, granted him awards of Most Compassionate Doctor and Patients’ Choice Award. He continues advancing musically, too, with a new MC MD album completed and set to be out later this year. Might we suggest a team-up with Westchester’s own Funkmaster Flex?
Listen to a selection of Gordon’s songs below.
