"Pro Nails" (CD single)

Homage to the manicure has a bunch of swear words.

Artist: Kid Sister
Genre: Hip-hop Label: Fool's Gold Parental Advisory: Yes Edited Version Available: No Release Date: 10/16/2007

Common Sense Note

Parents need to know this is a pop-influenced rap is all about showing off your good looks, especially in the form of a manicure. There are a few swear words, especially from guest Kayne West. The rest of the song's lyrics aren't the most existential or deep, but then again the song isn't trying for depth. The superficial nature of the song might not be such a good influence on impressionable listeners, but mostly this is just a fun and simple single.

Families can talk about social status symbols. How does something as simple as a manicure affect someone's perceived class status and self-worth? Designer clothes and fancy cars are obvious status symbols, but what are some other class symbols? Do these things really increase a person's status, and are these items marketed toward the wealthy or to the working class?

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Jacqueline Rupp

Proud of her coordinating manicure and pedicure, Kid Sister raps exuberantly on her debut smash single, "PRO NAILS." Kanye West contributes to the single, which speaks emphatically about looking good.

There's something inexplicably appealing to a song that lovingly details minutia. Maybe it's admiration for the artist that has the guts to dedicate an entire song to something as silly as a manicure, but whatever it is, "Pro Nails" is fun to listen to. With an addictive chorus and lyrics that flow and take surprising twists and turns, Kid Sister has created an appealing track. And even if Kid Sister drops lines like "Tricks try to rehearse me, hearse me/from manicure sets to silky weaves/They be so grimy, nasty, bogus...," she promises to breath new life into the under-represented segment of female rappers.

For more fun and funky female MC singles, check out "Lip Gloss" by Lil' Mama and "Ching-A-Ling" by Missy Elliott.

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Content		CS	adults	kids
Content
Sexual Content
Violence Just a few verses of intimidation: "Talk smack from around the way/Gotta put these chicken heads in they place/I ain't rockin' no stupid bapes/Ain't trippin' I'll juke all day."
Language Kanye West's intro is laced with the word "s--t," while the rest of the song includes "s--t" three times and West dropping the "mutha f--ka" bomb on his featured verse.
Message
	Social Behavior The theme of the song is all about spending a lot on looking good and bragging about it: "I'm lookin' sharp you can't compete with a champ/Steady flickin' I'm holdin' down that layaway rack/Aye, rhinestones all in they face/ Gold charms and paper chase."
	Commercialism Although it doesn't mention products directly, the song is an anthem to consumerism: "Nails like whoa/acrylic base/top all gold/colors on my nails/to the paint on my toes/...I'm accustomed to gold."
	Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco