Hippity Hop (by Various Artists, Children's Music)

On HIPPITY HOP, producer Linda Tillery has set familiar lyrics to hip-hop rhythms, interspersed with guest raps by known rappers (e.g., Shinehead) and San Francisco Bay Area teenage rappers. Adults may be amused to recognize "High Hopes" (popularized by Sinatra) and will enjoy the energetic version of Bob Marley's "Three Little Birds." Young children will be delighted by the familiar "Cookie Jar" ("Who stole the cookie from the cookie jar?") and the clever, danceable arrangement of "Mary Had a Little Lamb. Hip-hop and rap are central to African American music, and increasingly popular with kids of all ethnic backgrounds.

Because of their use for political and social protest, hip-hop and rap often contain language inappropriate for children. But for Hippity Hop, Tillery brought together a group of prominent artists like Taj Mahal and Sheila E. to make this album expressly for children. With several songs that date back to the time of slavery, the CD can show kids the historical role music has played both in African American political protest and in celebration.

Released on: September 14, 1999
Label: Music for Little People
Genre: Children's Music