Hip Hop these days is typically referred to as “gangster rap,” depending on who you talk to, and as such, there’s a negative stigma often associated with it. Explicit lyrics containing derogatory terms, sexual innuendo and a good amount of expletives are probably to blame, but thanks to the frustrated mother of a special needs child, perhaps that will soon change.
CNN reports [click here] Emerson Carter was born with a genetic disorder causing speech delay and mental retardation. Because of this, Emerson had a hard time functioning in society, and completing basic tasks throughout the day, such as brushing his teeth, waiting for the bus, eating his breakfast, getting into/out of bed, etc.
When Emerson was about three years old, he threw a tantrum, and out of frustration, his mother, Candy Carter, began to beat box while holding her son close to her face. Surprisingly, Emerson reacted to the music, instantly stopped crying, and just looked at his mother very calmly. From that day forward, anything she needed Emerson to do, she’d sing it to him in a Hip Hop kind of way, and since he responded to music, it worked—even for his schoolteachers.
Candy happens to work in the television industry, and had the resources available to make a video called, It’s Hip Hop, Baby! to help other children with problems similar to her son’s. She posted it on the internet and made a DVD, and it quickly became a hit. The success stories began to pour in and she went on to make several more, geared towards toddlers with and without special needs.
This new take on Hip Hop music may help critics to understand its versatility, and appreciate it more, in light of the fact that it can help children who otherwise would have a much more difficult time learning basic, everyday tasks.
To date, the series has received accolades from celebrities, pediatricians and parents, alike. There are five DVDs available for purchase via ItsHipHopBaby.com and Amazon.
Reported by Richard Smith.
