“Brood X-cellent to see you again / I been / chillin’ underground with my friends / sippin’ on root juices /17 years as a nymph / ditchin’ this skin / for tymbals, genitalia and tent-like wings…”

That’s just a taste of MC Bugg-Z’s entomological hip-hop anthem for summer 2021, “Brood X-ellence.” The video was created to provide scientifically-accurate information about the Brood X periodical cicada emergence of 2021.

Insect Biologist Andy Lima (aka “MC Bugg-Z”), who works for the Fairfax County Health Department’s Disease Carrying Insects Program, has spent the past year deployed to the agency’s pandemic response, supporting COVID-19 mitigation, testing and vaccination efforts.

But his musical creativity and passion for insects have not been paused – for Andy, or for his producer, Kelton Williams, another Health Department staff member, who is currently serving as a facilities coordinator during the pandemic.

“The Health Department’s pandemic response has all of us working in positions and with people outside of our normal jobs. That’s how Kelton and I met and we immediately bonded over music. I wrote the rap while Kelton created the beat, and then we sent tracks back-and-forth for Kelton to produce the final product. The video was created with borrowed footage from a cicada researcher and we sought to drop it right at the start of the emergence of Brood X,” Lima said. Their independently produced single is available on Fairfax County’s YouTube Channel.

MC Bugg-Z was also behind the catchy raps, “West Nile Story” in 2019, “Tick Check 1-2” in 2018 and “Zika 101” in 2016.

Unlike ticks and mosquitoes, Brood-X cicadas do not carry diseases. Although these insects have been slowly exiting their underground tunnels in our region for a couple of weeks now, cooler-than-average temperatures have so far limited their mass emergence.

“Cicadas are big and noisy but they are harmless to humans, and actually benefit the environment. The same cannot be said for ticks and mosquitoes who are also emerging after the pandemic winter and spreading Lyme Disease, West Nile Virus and other illnesses with their bites,” Andy said. “While you are outside checking out the cicadas, be sure to protect yourself from disease carrying ticks and mosquitoes by using insect repellent, and by wearing long sleeves and pants when possible. Get rid of all the standing water around your home to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds and remember to do a full-body tick check when you head back inside.”

“Brood X-ellence” is a completely original production, with lyrics written and performed by Andy Lima (aka MC Bugg-Z). Instrumental and audio production by Kelton Williams. Cicada footage provided by Greg Holmes. It is available for viewing on both Andy Lima’s YouTube page (@entogeek) and the Fairfax County’s YouTube page.