It has come to our attention that we’ve been missing out on an extremely awesome musical genre for quite some time now. Chap-hop, in case you didn’t know (we didn’t), is basically what you call it when dapper, fancy pants British guys sing regular-type hip-hop songs. And accompany themselves on the banjolele — which is much cooler than a banjo. In a pagoda.
Mr. B, the ultimate chap-hop gent, is “on a one-man mission to introduce hip-hop to the Queen’s English” — rapping about gentlemanly topics like games of cricket and splendid jaunts in the countryside, as well as performing some extremely spiffy versions of well known hip-hop standards.
We’re surprised at how much we dig this English gangsta, so pour yourself a glass of sherry and treat yourself to “Chap-Hop History” by Mr. B the Gentleman Rhymer, a five-minute history of the best in hip-hop, done with class and a sweet mustache.
Our favorite tribute? “Hi, my name is… My name is… My name is… Mr. B!” What’s yours?
Bonus track: “Straight Out of Surrey”
You can buy Mr. B’s album Flattery Not Included here. Also, if you’re fancy enough to live in the UK, he’s touring. Pip-pip all.