DJ'g weddings has taught me a few things, first and foremost being that even the best songs can wind up in that pop culture dustbin known as the wedding reception playlist. Sure, blame The Wedding Singer for cementing the Sugarhill Gang as a novelty of a novelty karaoke old school act. And I always had my reservations about "Hey Ya!" (call it latent southernplayalisticadillacmuzik bias). But a surefire sign that a song has reached an oversaturation point is when the pre-teen niece Bedazzled and the drunk "uncle" nicknamed "Beans" are both doing the Beyonce bodysuit shimmy to "Single Ladies." Brrr.
This video is particularly apt as it is a time capsule in 2010 of many wedding (and, sadly, club) hip-hop staples. While calling it "A History of Rap" may be accurate by KRS-One/Temple of Hip-Hop's standards (you know, Hip-Hop v. Rap, etc., etc.), a more accurate description would be "Jacking for Hip-hop Cliches" (can someone please draw the timeline from pause tapes and jacking for beats to this? This is grossly fascinating). Of course, the Roots are game to play along with Fallon's tomfoolery. But Timberlake is in especially fine form having left his Usher dancing pants in the dressing room and opting instead for that gorilla bounce that men do when they try to "act hip-hop:" you know, puffed out chest, squared off shoulders and slight bouncing/bending of the knees. Seriously, little claps for JT's acting prowess. I just may go see The Social Network.
No playlist necessary; if you really need the knowledge, go hang out in the showroom of Ikea or Crate & Barrel.
So, the question I pose to you: What other cliched hip-hop songs have you heard at a wedding lately?
This is kind of awesome
Justin Timberlake is one of those people I feel like I should dislike out of principle, but dude does stuff like this and I feel like a school girl in 1999.
Hahahaha, agreed.
a) I will also fully admit to really not wanting to like what JT's doing. Ever. But damned if I didn't love it when they bust into "Peter Piper" for a second there. Damn you, JT, you win again.
b) I feel like I hear "Brass Monkey" at every wedding I go too (and maybe every event I've ever been to that involves a dance floor). Is this just me? Why that song? Someone please explain so I can sleep at night. Thank you.
I can't explain the "Brass Monkey" thing. I can't explain why I find myself liking JT despite my better judgment, either. Both are just kind of infectious.