SIZZURP: "Who got that lean"?

What is sizzurp? For the uninitiated, it is a concoction made up of cough medicine (specifically those that contain codeine or promethazine) and pop. Some people also include alcohol into the mix. It originated down south, most agree in Texas, and was used primarily among teens as a "recreational" drink, before it got popularized in regional rap music. Since then, its become one of the primary topics of hip hop songs and is often depicted in music videos and featured in rap documentaries.

You might have wondered to yourself why so many rappers are seen holding a big styrofoam cup. Thats the cup of choice when drinking sizzurp. Lil Wayne is seen perpetually holding a styrofoam cup, and has even admitted its full of sizzurp.

"Who got that Lean"? A question one might hear when someone is looking for a sizzurp drink. "Lean" is a slang term for sizzurp, as is "purple drank", since the concoction is usually purple, although it depends on personal preferences. Other slang terms include: syrup, drank, and Texas tea.

For those that like to get Krunk, this is not the drink for you! Sizzurp will make you feel lethargic, slow, groggy, sleepy or feel like your in a comatose-like state. Thats where the "lean" comes from, because your pretty much in full on couch potatoe mode. Stick a fork in ya, your done!

At the height of its popularity(2004), rappers Jim Jones and Cam'ron introduced "Sizzurp Purple Punch Liqueur" in an attempt to capitalize on the drowsy beverage popular among rap fans, college kids, night clubbers and anyone else that knew about it. At $24 or more a bottle, it combines cognac, vodka and natural fruits, but none of the cough syrup that the street version was based on. I haven't had it yet, but I've heard mixed reviews, "tastes like purple hypno" (hypnotiq) or "not bad, but a bit too fruity."

In June 2008, a Houston based company released a beverage called Drank, aka the "anti-energy" drink. The commercial product contains no codeine or promethazine, but claims to "slow your roll" with a combination of herbal ingredients such as valerian root and melatonin.

Is sizzurp legal? No. The street version is made with cough syrups that contain codeine or promethazine which can only be obtained with a prescription. Obviously, a series of lesser crimes has to be committed to even obtain the ingredients, but drinking it and getting caught in possession can earn you a felony in a state like Texas. Depending on where you reside, penalties vary. Some states and their law enforcement branches are not even aware of sizzurp and wouldn't recongnize it if it was dumped in their lap. Use at your own risk, and make sure you are AWARE of the risks, and there are quite a few!

PDRhealth.com, the publishers of the Physicians' Desk Reference, has a list of side effects for the combination that include convulsions, depression, and a rapid, slow, fast or fluttery heartbeat. Its list of overdose effects includes coma, difficulty breathing and unconsciousness. Beyond that, lots of people have OD'ed on it.

I think if I get the urge to "lean" I'll grab a can of that Drank, or get some good old fashioned kava kava extract for similar effects. Apparently, purple isn't just for Grimace or Prince anymore.