Shock G (Mr. Humpty Hump).
Photo taken by Shock G’s mom.
(see below for license info)
Many of us grew up on it. 80’s and 90’s children can remember hearing all the hiphop songs that plagued the radio. Whether you love it, hated it, or pretend you never listened to it, (or like me, freely admit you still rock out to it), many of us still know the lyrics by heart.
So here are some songs that, looking back, helped prepare me for a life of travel.
1. Vanilla Ice:
He taught me about working as a team. “Stop. Collaborate and listen” is great advice for anyone who works with others, or travels around. Sometimes you need to just stop and listen to the advice and experiences of others. Sometimes you collaborate with them to create awesome projects, like the Travel Blogging Calendar which helps raise money for small non-profits (blatant self-promotion plug).
2. Sugar Hill Gang:
Taught me to try new foods. Or to at least be polite about it when you are offered new food and deal with it. Running out of the house is just rude. Stop being a baby and just take a bite. When trying new food (especially if you are invited to a new friend’s house), no one ever gets upset or offended if you do not like the food. They DO get offended if you refuse to at least try a bite.
3. Del the Funky Homosapien:
Taught me to always shower. And brush my teeth. Sometimes we do stuff traveling that requires less than desired cleanliness. But If You Must get that dirty, take a bath after. “Or else you’ll be funkyyyyy”.
4. De La Soul:
Taught me that it’s ok to be myself and its ok to be by Me, Myself, and I. And yes, I have no problem with, and like, traveling solo.
5. Digable Planets:
Taught me to be Cool Like Dat. Because when traveling, why would you want to be anything else?
6. DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince:
Taught me that sometimes you just have to “Sit back and unwind”. They also taught me that Summertime is awesome, and that you should stay out of trouble or you’ll get shipped off to some rich uncle. Oh wait….
7. Black Sheep:
Taught me good decision making skills. On the road The Choice Is Yours: to do this or that. Black Sheep taught me that I will constantly have to decide between this or that. But in the end, “This is kinda phat”.
8. Two Live Crew:
Taught me that sometimes when traveling you will hear/see/experience things that you can’t unhear/see/experience. Basically they gave me a crash course in overcoming trauma.
9. Mr. Humpty Hump:
Taught me not to judge people on their looks, people with big noses are AWESOME, and to stay away from Burger King bathrooms.
10. Young MC:
Taught me, when in doubt, just “Bust A Move”. Because why stand “on the wall like you was Pointdexter” when you can participate in the action? Also, you can never go wrong when you are dancing. Also great way to help digest a big meal.
11. Arrested Development:
Taught me not to judge people, because “who are we to judge?”. Everyone can teach you something. They also teach you to be charitable to those around you, even people society dismisses. We have all felt that at travelers at some point, being dissed for our lifestyle and how we want to be free. So don’t judge others. Sit down and find your own Mr. Wendel. You never know what awesome stories or deep conversations you may have.
12. Digital Underground:
Taught me to Doowutchyalike. I like to travel. When traveling, go, see, and do what you like. And, whatever you like to do, Doowutchyalike.
13. Biz Markie:
Taught me everyone has a talent. They may not be obvious on the outside, but if you take the time to really meet, and get to know people when you travel, you can discover some really cool people who can do some really cool things.
(Photo above legally used from Wikimedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:ShkWiki7.jpg#filelinks) and is licensed as “The copyright holder of this file allows anyone to use it for any purpose, provided that the copyright holder is properly attributed. Redistribution, derivative work, commercial use, and all other use is permitted.” )
Click the names for websites/Twitter accts where possible, and the links to jam out to the music videos of each song. Have fun dancing!
About Dani Blanchette
