Here is a video of children singing rap lyrics from songs like 2 Chainz and Kanye West’s “Birthday Song” and Rocko’s “U.O.E.N.O.” featuring that date rape-y Rick Ross verse about spiking a woman’s drink with Molly. I’m not sure why but somehow I feel guilty after watching this clip — maybe it’s because I’ve spent so many years as a music journalist covering MC’s like 2 Chainz and Rick Ross? Maybe because I like “Birthday Song,” even though I know it’s completely ridiculous? I don’t know for sure, but I do think this conflicted feeling is exactly the reaction directors Jimmy Smith II and Jarrel Smith were aiming for when they created the romper room rap short.
“We just wanted to hold up a mirror to the types of messages we pump into our heads all day,” the Smiths told Fast Company. “We hope this film pushes some of our favorite, super-talented artists to push themselves toward more honest and balanced art. Not cleaner or censored, but honest. If rappers rapped about Hot Wheels and ice cream on every song it wouldn’t be honest either. But if you have 12 songs about money, where are the songs about the things money does NOT fix? Nobody is perfect, but as creatives we can always be honest. Honesty—it’s what makes truly great art, great.”
Side note: Reebok, who dropped Ross earlier this year as a spokesperson following protests surrounding his “U.O.E.N.O.” lyrics, may or may not have re-hired the MC. Because Ross’ lyric’s problematic content was totally debatable. *sarcasm*
