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"U Can't Touch This" (CD single) (by Adam Hicks, Daniel Curtis Lee, Pop music for kids)

common sense media says

Hammertime with skateboards instead of puffy pants.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this music video uses a cover of an M.C. Hammer rap as a vehicle for showcasing the stars of the new Disney XD series Zeke & Luther. The network and the series are both geared toward young boys, so it's no surprise that the video would focus on skateboarding. The dance moves are tame and the skateboarding tricks aren't the death-defying type. Most of the lyrics have remained the same and Hammer's old warning that you won't be able to touch his talents remains intact,  translated into extreme sport sensibilities. Although the premise for the video is about a bunch of regular neighborhood kids having fun, the Disney characters and their team of back-up dancers all sport the latest in retro '80s fashions, appearing slim and attractive. The fun dance party scene will undoubtedly help to promote the television series as a hip and exciting new show.

Positive messages: Mostly about dancing and hot-dogging it, the M.C.Hammer classic rap covers feeling good about yourself and taking pride in your abilities. "Let 'em know it's such and this is a lyric they can't touch." The music video shows two neighborhood rivals having sport with each other, but everything is in the spirit of friendly competition.
Positive role models: Although the song does include a lot of bragging -- "My, my, my music hits me so hard, makes me wanna say 'Oh my Lord,' thank you for blessing me with a rhyme to mind and two hype feet" -- the tone is light and fun so there's no real arrogance. The music video shows the Zeke & Luther characters dueling with their dance moves, skating talents, and ability to cover Hammer's raps. At the end of the video Daniel Curtis Lee is seen being reprimanded by his mother for setting up a skateboard trick using her minivan. He's embarassed by how his dance routine ended, but respectful of his mom's orders.
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: In the realm of puppy love: "Grab a fly girl and dance to the beat." The video features girls in cheerleader-type outfits with short skirts and tight shirts dancing around the characters as they rap.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Zeke & Luther, the show which spawned this video, is a new series on Disney XD and the song and video are a kind of promotion for the show. The music video is being played on the Disney Channel Web site and the song is in heavy rotation on Radio Disney.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on "U Can't Touch This" (CD single)

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

  • Does this music video make you more interested in watching the show? Can you think of any other times when music is used to promote a product and get audiences excited about it? Read The Marketing of Star Wars and learn the ins and outs of promotion.

  • How do you make old songs new again? What is involved with covering a song? Listen to the original version of this song. What's the same and what's different?

  • What role does YouTube play in the promotion of an album, or in this case a TV show? Can you think of any other situations when a "viral video" helped to promote a product? Check out YouTube and Your Kids to learn how to keep things safe in the digital video era.

What's the story?

What's the story?

It's hard to believe nearly 20 years have past since M.C. Hammer donned his parachute pants and entered into pop culture history with the song U CAN'T TOUCH THIS. Now the Disney Channel has taken over the '90's anthem and the star's of Disney XD's series Zeke & Luther get their crack at the rap classic. Stars Adam Hicks and Daniel Curtis Lee  duet on the single, which is given an updated feel thanks to a hard rock version of the "Superfreak" sample.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

For kids who haven't seen the original music video for "U Can't Touch This," this updated version should get them to enjoy a taste of one of most popular raps to date. That said, this Disney duo really doesn't offer that different of an approach and their lyrical gymnastics don't hold a candle to Hammer's original style. Cute, silly, and cool, the song and its accompanying video deliver what you'd expect from a Disney production -- slick, choreographed, and family fiendly fluff. As for those listeners who were alive when the first "Stop...Hammertime" was uttered, well this new cover just can't touch it.

Music themes & details

Music Details
Released on: June 29, 2009
Label: Disney
Genre: Pop music for kids
This review was written by Jacqueline Rupp
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

kaytopian
teen, 14 years old
9
 
just not a good song for kids
ok i dont like this song anyways but there are some bad thigns about this song. the girls that dance around the rappers in the video have skimpy clothes that show too much for the small children that watch disney. some dancing is bad and im not saying all is but the song is saying its ok to dance and a little dance is ok but it might lead to inappropiate dancing.
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Musicgirl101
kid, 11 years old
17
 
Inappropriate
Whoa you know what their talking about when they say can't touch this??? They are talking about your privates. Who listens to this? Nobody should be listening to this. Not even if your 42.
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basenjilove9
teen, 14 years old
2
 
STUPID
This is just so.. stupid! Why the heck would Disney combine stars of a skating tv show and music vids?? Idk, but that's what Disney does I guess.
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Sanjay407
kid, 13 years old
4
 
They even showed the music video of it on Disney XD.
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joejonas286
teen, 14 years old
10
 
awesome
im not sure if i like it or not but i think i like it!
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KH Master
kid, 12 years old
3
 
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cake-cream
teen, 14 years old
5
 
perfect for everyone
all u parents really need 2 chill it's a song and the thing about grabbing a girl and dancing that's nothing. it just a song. and the bragging doesnt matter bcuz it wont rub off on them
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AmayzingMayzie
kid, 13 years old
11
 
Appropriate, 100%
The person below me just has a dirty mind. I recommend this to tweens! =) It`s classic, catchy, up-beat song simply about feeling good about yourself! Nothing more.
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coosnm
educator
9
 
Perfiect for all ages
loved it
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