| ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. | |
| PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. | |
| OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. | |
| NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
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.
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.
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.
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.
| Artists: | Adam Hicks, Daniel Curtis Lee |
| Release date: | June 29, 2009 |
| Label: | Disney |
| Genre: | Pop music for kids |
| Parental advisory: | No |