If you read this title in the style of “Gimme the Loot” by Notorious B.I.G., well done! Maybe you’re like me and stopped listening to any hip-hop created after 2004. Is there anything good after that? I’m sure there are a few gems, but can anything truly compare with the glory that was 90’s/early 2000’s rap? I hate to poo-poo on present day music, but I’m old now. I have strong generational preferences. And no one is asking or wondering, but “Southernplayalistic” by Outkast, 1994, will forever be one of my favorite hip-hop songs EVER. And a majority of The Chronic 2001.

But, as you may know by now, this is a place to review music that we can listen to with our kids. Some day they will be ready for Wu-Tang, but until then we need a G-rated option and FOLKS, I found one.

Secret Agent 23 Skidoo is a legitimate (and Grammy-winning) hip-hop artist, for kids! Entirely kid-friendly content by a super talented lyricist, and some sick beats. Some of the instrumentals have an afro-funk vibe which I love. It’s like if Will Smith had a baby with The Budos Band.

Prior to taking on the world of kid’s music, 23 Skidoo had quite a successful run as a rapper and producer in the adult hip-hop scene, touring and opening for MOS DEF, Run DMC, P-funk, and more. But once he had his daughter, he shifted gears to focus on family music. He even includes her as “MC Fireworks” in some of his songs. How sweet is that? His path certainly resonates with me; kids changes your whole world!

“I Like Fruit” is one of our favorite Skidoo songs and is quite literally about liking fruit. It’s fun, and it encourages healthy eating habits, which I think every parent can get behind. Although my kids love fruit and it’s the only thing I can consistently count on them eating, I still appreciate the message. Here is my daughter as a baby enjoying a summer melon, for evidence:

“Gotta be Me” is another favorite that celebrates our uniqueness. His music is full of positivity and I don’t think we can get enough of that nowadays:

“Some wear tee-shirts, and some wear ties

Some got big glasses in front of their eyes

And if you keep lookin then you’ll be surprised

Cuz man, people come in every shape and size  

As big as a house or as small as a mouse

Some are mellow, some like to scream and shout

Some come from different countries that you read about

That’s a lot, and I still left some people out”

For the funkier side of Skidoo, give a listen to “Young Soul”. This one features fantastic vocalists and is probably my favorite song from the whole repertoire.

I am thrilled that an artist like Secret Agent 23 Skidoo exists, I only wish there were more hip-hop artists for kids out there. Is this a direction I should go with my own music?? I do a mean “Shoop” at karaoke after several cocktails. Just sayin’!

Until then, check out Secret Agent 23 Skidoo for some wholesome family hip-hop!

Added to the Blog Playlist on Spotify, link: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2zSepKr6XwE6xrmknGW57i?si=UwPF1Bi_SOCveRfrXDyZDw&dl_branc

Thanks for reading!