Sir Mix-A-Lot’s “Baby Got Back” has continued to prove its true staying power after a woman went viral for her wild interpretation of the hit song.
The Seattle native dropped the catchy track in 1992. The song would ultimately peak at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 — making it one of the most popular tunes to come out of the early ’90s.
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Now, an ASL interpreter (and familiar face) named Kelly Kurdi has caused a stir on social media this week due to her standout performance aboard a cruise ship.
In the clip that surfaced on social media, an animated Kurdi can be seen showcasing her dance moves — thrusting her hips and whipping her ponytail — between verses. Even those not well versed in American Sign Language may recognize her elaborate moves for “butt” and “shake it.”
ASL interpreter for Baby Got Back is bringing the energy 🔥https://t.co/52WCdDrY0Tpic.twitter.com/gRJx5jiFX2
— HipHopDX (@HipHopDX) February 10, 2023
Kurdi first rose to popularity in 2021, when she was enlisted to work at Lollapalooza where she performed alongside Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion as they put on their song of the year, “W.A.P.” While the performance was well received, it was Kurdi who stole the show with her provocative signing skills.
With the growing need to make Hip Hop music accessible to all, American Sign Language interpreters like Kurdi have joined forces with some of the music industry’s biggest names to perform at festivals, tours, and more.
During a chat with HipHopDX in 2017 – while partnering with Chance The Rapper to perform at a series of his shows – Kurdi, a member of the ASL team known as DEAFinitely Dope, detailed the hard work and dedication that goes into her craft.
“We listen to all the music and we divide the songs,” she said, dishing about the preparation that goes into signing accurately for fans. “We call it divide and conquer. So, we already have prepared songs before the concert. We get that information based on set lists and past concerts. When we get there, the set list is always pretty close to what we practiced. Occasionally, there’s a song or two that is different.”
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“For many people that have come, they told us it was their first concert,” Kurdi said of the feedback she’s received at shows. “Some of them didn’t even know it was possible to have sign language interpreters at a concert. And to have one of their own as part of the team interpreting is really inspiring.”
