HIP HOP FOR FAMILIES GETS NOD FROM GRAMMYS
“Blending traditional hip-hop with garage rock and classic R&B influences, he encourages kids to embrace individuality. Through his music, he empowers kids to be themselves.” – USA TODAY
“Nobody is making better ‘kid-hop’ than Secret Agent 23 Skidoo.” – NPR’s All Things Considered
GRASS VALLEY, CA (December 8, 2014) – Award-winning “King of Kid Hop,” Secret Agent 23 Skidoo, is honored that his fourth album, The Perfect Quirk, is a GRAMMY nominee for Best Children’s Album in the 57th annual GRAMMY Awards.
The Perfect Quirk, a raucous celebration of originality and the quirkiness of being a kid in this crazy awesome world, is the ideal soundtrack for living room dance parties or a family vacation on the road less traveled. The tunes are classic Hip Hop spiced with Motown, reggae, club thump, blues, and the occasional pirate shanty, each one aimed at the quirky soul of the funky family.
As the proud dad of an amazing daughter who gets down to the beat of her own drum, Secret Agent 23 Skidoo knows the parent’s perspective. As a kid who grew up feeling different and strange before realizing that nobody’s normal, he eventually discovered the need to accept your funky self. And as a music lover who found gateways to his own understanding on CDs and cassettes, he understands his Secret Mission …
Skidoo explains, “The word ‘weird’ derives from the Old English ‘wyrd,’ which translates as ‘destiny’ or ‘fate.’ I hope this album will help kids realize that their quirks are their own funky destinies, meant to be lived to their potential. Oh yeah, and I hope it makes ’em dance like they’re crazy!”
He continues, “I got to thinking about how much I love the quirks in my family and friends and in the strange paths my life has taken. If kids could see what makes them different as being quirks instead of flaws, as something that’s part of their unique awesomeness instead of something that keeps them from being ‘normal,’ then so much stress and sadness could be avoided. It’s the quirks that give life flavor.”
Secret Agent 23 Skidoo’s approach to music has always been eccentric and eclectic, and The Perfect Quirk is no exception. From the combination of Miami bass sounds with Afropop and steel drums on “You’re It” to a rave-sounding dance track about pillow fights to a song written from the song’s own perspective, Skidoo thoroughly embraces the Weird.
Highlights on this one-of-a-kind party rocker include the Motown flavored “Unwind,” the klezmer/gypsy swing/pirate shanty/polka hop “Imaginary Friend” (like a soundtrack to another world), and the straight up Hip Hop “3 Pointed Back,” featuring the world’s quirkiest guest rappers, Skidoo’s daughter MC Fireworks and Adam Strange. Recess Monkey’s Jack Forman contributes a picture perfect boxing announcer voiceover to “Pillowfort Pillowfight,” and The Verve Pipe’s Craig Griffith deftly weaves his blues harmonica throughout “PJs All Day.” MC Fireworks delivers one of the most eye-misting verses to ever grace a funky beat on “Time Machine,” a Moog-heavy reggae song that pulls more heartstrings than punches. The sparkling horn cascades and sweet strings of “Nightlight” bring the album to a happy close.
With five #1 hits on Sirius/XM global radio, a track on the 2012 GRAMMY® winning children’s recording, and gigs from basketball courts in the Bronx to stages at the Smithsonian, Lollapalooza, and the Winnipeg Folk Festival, Secret Agent 23 Skidoo is a standout star on the indie family music scene. The Washington Post praised his “Compelling rhythms and stories, the messages are all positive. 23 leaves parents skeptical of the genre powerless to resist.” Enthused Today, “Secret Agent 23 Skidoo has married the complex beats of hip hop with the magical world of kids.”
After more than a decade spent touring as a rapper/producer, bringing the funk and wit to crowds across America, and sharing the stage with the likes of Run-D.M.C., Mos Def, Talib Kweli, and the P-Funk All Stars, Secret Agent 23 Skidoo started a family act with his daughter (“MC Fireworks”) and his wife (“Bootysattva”). Seven years and four albums later, their Kid Hop has spread internationally, and they’re just getting started!
Previous Secret Agent 23 Skidoo recordings include Make Believers (2012, NAPPA Gold Award, USA TODAY Best of the Year List, Fids & Kamily winner), Underground Playground (2010, USA TODAY Best of the Year List, Fids & Kamily winner), and Easy (2008, Fids & Kamily winner).
The Perfect Quirk is available at amazon.com, iTunes, www.secretagent23skidoo.com, and at independent retail outlets throughout the country.
I received a copy of this CD and the music is so much fun! It definitely is funky and I found myself dancing around the house while listening to this album! I give this one a rating of 5 stars and it’s great for children and adults of all ages!
Self Disclosure: I received a free CD to facilitate this feature. Photo Credit: Secret Agent 23 Skidoo.
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