Sometimes on Saturday mornings, Clementine and I have something we call the “Old School Rap Dance Party.” I put on old records and we dance around in our pajamas. One of our favorite songs to dance to is Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five’s “The Message.” She doesn’t know all the words, but she’s got the, “Don’t push me ‘cuz I’m close to the edge / I’m trying not to lose my head,” part down. Well, yesterday, when Linette went to pick her up from school, she heard Clementine saying those words to a little friend of hers, and now she’s all freaked out that Clementine’s teachers, not knowing the reference, might think that it’s something that we say to her around the house. I’m telling her not to worry, that Clementine’s teachers, even if they weren’t around during the rule of the grandmasters, would know the song. “Hell,” I say, “they even used it in the animated kids movie Happy Feet.” But she’s not buying it. She wants me to lay off the intensive rap lessons… I don’t have video of Clementine performing, but it just so happens that there is some great documentary footage online of another little person performing the song. I’d appreciate it if you’d try to ignore the reference to the rap classic for a moment, watch the clip, and let me know what you’d think if you were approached by a three year old sayig the words, “Don’t push me ‘cuz I’m close to the edge.” I think it’s adorable, regardless of context, but maybe I’m too close to it.
Connect
6 Comments
Mark, this has fast become me and my daughter’s favorite activity – dancing to records. Ella’s only 2 weeks old, and I haven’t gotten to old school rap yet – although a do have a copy of “The Message”. I was going to try out The Fat Boys first – I think she’ll like the human beatboxing. We listened to Marvin Holmes and the Uptights last night – some good late 60s high energy funk – and she loved it.
My son, little T, loves Sir Mix A Lot.
It’s funny to hear a toddler singing I Like Big Butts. This line is my favorite.
My anaconda don’t want none
Unless you’ve got buns, hun
Cousins, congrats! I remember reading you and yours were expecting.
Truth Mark? If I didn’t know the kid? I think it was something Mommy or Daddy yelled at them right before they got smacked. I suppose delivery would have a lot to do with it though. Does she rap it, say it with a smile, or scream with a cold crazed look in her eyes?
Thanks, neighbor OEC!
Walter likes our Creedence Clearwater Revival greatest hits CD. I also found out that he likes the intro song to the movie Legally Blonde.
Mark, be careful not to play rap songs with the n-word in it, as that could get Clementine into some awkward and dangerous situations.
NWA lessons are at 7:00 PM on Tuesdays. I’ve decided not to put 2 Live Crew on the sylabus though.