Bill Cosby releases his first rap album next month. Sadly, no Cosby sweaters will be appearing on it.

Purchase this photo

News flash: Bill Cosby will be releasing his first rap album next month.

When you first hear it, it’s an immediate punch line. But, on closer inspection, it’s not quite the comedic fodder you think. Turns out Cosby won’t actually be rapping, he’ll be leaving that to others — relatively unknowns— who, presumably, know what they’re doing.

Cosby will be doing the spoken word part of the album — titled “Cosby Narratives Vol. 1: State of Emergency” — consisting of “the comedian’s concepts and stories,” according to the Associated Press.

You may remember that Cosby created some controversy when he criticized young African-Americans for listening to rap music that glorified cussing and violence. Cosby says that his album will have none of that, instead stressing the values of education and self respect.

Well, there’s nothing wrong with that. I just don’t think anyone’s going to want to listen to it. Cosby himself has said the album won’t be a huge hit, and I have to agree.

But he’s determined to make himself heard, already planning a second album. You have to give him credit for trying, and who knows, maybe his work will actually make a difference.

If anyone can get past the image of him in an ugly sweater eating Jell-O.