Bill Cosby gave a speech to the graduating class of Howard University back in 1996. The speech runs 59 minutes and can be found in VHS format in most college libraries. He uses the phrase "are you dead?" several times to describe the debased culture that was growing in his community. He even calls SnoopDogg E Dog (or whatever the jerk was called at the time) "Snoop Eats Dog Poop". Great speech. I have not seen the video portion, but the audio was quite powerful. Here is a description:

""As part of a Howard University leadership seminar, Bill Cosby spoke to the students about taking responsibility in their lives. He spoke about rock music lyrics, gangs, drugs, sex, values, leadership and action. He continuously urged students not to be passive in response to the music, words and actions of those to whom they listen. He asked rhetorically: "Are you dead?" His talk contained many humorous and mocking references to current political and cultural figures." Notes: Broadcast at Howard University on 4/8/96. Produced by Purdue Research Foundation and C-SPAN."