Summary

A proud father recounts his 4-year-old son's spontaneous beatboxing attempt, celebrating it as an early sign of his child's connection to the Hip Hop culture, which holds deep personal significance for him.

Abstract

The author shares a heartwarming moment of pride when his young son, August, starts beatboxing during a car ride, showcasing an innate rhythm that the father interprets as a budding interest in Hip Hop. This moment resonates with the father's own passion for the genre, evoking visions of shared musical experiences and the transmission of cultural heritage. Despite not pushing his son towards sports, a stereotypical expectation for black boys, the father encourages August's diverse interests, including piano lessons, theatre, and chess, while envisioning a future where they can bond over Hip Hop's rich legacy. The father's excitement is palpable as he anticipates introducing August to iconic Hip Hop artists and albums, hoping to witness his son's reactions to the music that has profoundly shaped his own life.

Opinions

The author believes that his son's beatboxing is an indication of a natural affinity for Hip Hop, possibly inherited from his father.
He values the diversity of his son's interests and activities, emphasizing the importance of not limiting his potential, especially in areas outside of sports.
The father holds a deep personal connection to Hip Hop, viewing it as a significant part of his identity and eagerly anticipating sharing this with his son.
He is critical of the societal expectation that black boys should excel in sports and is pleased that his son is developing interests beyond this stereotype.
The author is excited about the prospect of his son embracing the Hip Hop culture and the bonding experiences this will bring in the future.

Parenting | Hip Hop

My 4 year old just made me beam with pride

My son’s journey into Hip Hop has begun on beat

My son, August, recently disrupted our morning commute in the best way possible.

We were riding in silence through our curvy, tree-lined neighborhood. Then, I heard him do something he never did before.

Boom boom, click Boom boom boom, click

His tender lips couldn’t make the sound as snappy as it should be, but his effort was undeniable. My 4-year-old was beatboxing!

“Son!” I exclaimed, “Who taught you how to do that?”

“I did!” he said with his trademark confidence.

I pressed him, “Seriously, did you hear Blippi or Meekah do that?”

“No, Daddy, I taught myself! Do you like my beat?”

“Yes, I do!” I said, finally relenting.

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A surge of pride

August had an ancestral rhythm stirring in his spirit. The fifth element of Hip Hop had been brought forth through my seed.

I was super excited.

I understand that August was probably just playing around, feeling new sensations and vibrations on his palate — teeth, tongue, and lips. My toddler was experimenting with his body just like he explores the world around him.

Still, I took this moment as evidence that he inherited my DNA-level love for Hip Hop.

I had visions of him and me in my basement, thumbing through the massive bin of cassettes and CDs that contain the soundtrack of my life. My raucous time capsule.

This must be the feeling most Dads get when they see their kid demonstrate a natural sports talent.

That boy has an arm on him!

That girl sure can run fast!

Truthfully, I am not as excited about August playing sports as others are. Everyone expects black boys to play some sort of ball. I don’t. Though he actually does have a good arm and can run fast. I won’t hold him back from exploring sports or anything else he, his mother, or other loved ones want him to try.

I don’t want to limit his potential in any direction.

That is why he has been taking piano lessons. Next, we will try theatre. After that, it’s on to chess.

Maybe we need to try drums.

Boom boom, click Boom boom boom, click

Album cover for KRS-ONE’s album, Return of the Boom Bap

I want to see his head in that hypnotic Hip Hop nod the first time he hears a dope beat. Like the first time I heard KRS-ONE’s Return of the Boom Bap.

I want to experience him running to me with headphones in his hands, begging me to hear someone’s flow that makes his head explode. Like the first time I heard Eric B. & Rakim’s Mahagony.

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I did not expect my toddler to join this community and culture I love so much, so soon.

But, that beat had been sitting under August’s tongue since he was born. Waiting to be released like the first album from an artist on the cusp of stardom.

I’m his biggest fan.

Honestly,

Ed.

I am a poet, essayist, and civic strategist based in Birmingham, Alabama. Get to know me here.