Update: new video added. Watch it here

Today's hip-hop "Healthcare Remix" panel discussion at SEIU's headquarters in Washington, DC shed a bright light on the need for healthcare reform that does more than just expand insurance coverage--and why it is imperative that every community has a voice at the decision-making table. The event was held in honor of J Dilla, an influential hip-hop MC and producer whose rising star was cut short by complications stemming from his battle with Lupus.

Panelists spoke on the tremendous need for the hip-hop and artist community to advocate publicly on the need for healthcare reform, both in their communities and on Capitol Hill. "Hip-hop understood the power of being organized and the power of collaboration and diversity in organizing before it became the [more mainstream] term it is today. Unions understand this too," said panel moderator CIR/SEIU Healthcare president Dr. L Toni Lewis. "What you have is your voice to let Congress know what needs to done for healthcare equality today."

"Our people--poor people--are dying in America today because they don't have a card<," said Reverend Lennox Yearwood Jr., the president and CEO of the Hip Hop Caucus of the millions of people whose suffering might have been prevented if they had been able to afford to receive the life-saving care they needed. Watch Rev. Yearwood speak about the biggest battle facing our generation in the 21st century:

Check out photos from the Healthcare Remix discussion here.