It’s almost inevitable that at some point in life, a member of each family brings over a karaoke machine. Karaoke is meant to help us set aside our differences in politics and religion, and have everyone sing along to their favorite tunes together. From classic songs by Queen, ABBA, and Backstreet Boys, we’ve all heard these songs over and over again. You feel like there needs to be a change. And you know just the right band to do it: Death Grips.
Not everyone sees the vision. Sometimes we need a little gentle nudge, shove, or kick towards the right direction. Here at the Hard Times we compiled a list of strategies to help you convince your family to let you take over karaoke night with the poetic lyrics of MC Ride.
Emphasizing that Death Grips is really about family bonding and connecting.
The band has been through thick and thin. With constant backlash over lyrics and imagery, the band has stuck together, showing that their bond is as strong as a family bond. They’re one of the most polarizing modern bands, but they ignore the haters, showing you that you too can overcome the criticisms of your life choices by your family and squeeze your way back into their life. The band also broke up in 2014, only to get back together in 2015, meaning that it is possible to settle your differences and reunite. So maybe there’s hope that your family will stop hanging out without you again.
Highlight some iconic lyrics from the band.
You have to let your family know that the lyrics of Death Grips are really on par with the most iconic lyrics from Bruce Springsteen or The Beatles. “Responsibility’s cool, but there’s more things in life like getting your dick rode all fucking night.”, There can’t possibly be any better lyric that encapsulates the state of society today than this. This lyric is the raw truth about the joys in life.
Or how about the line “You need a lift? You can sit between the backseat of my dick”. If you sing this while making direct eye contact with your ultra-conservative sister-in-law, they’ll know you mean business. Most people never thought that combination of words could ever go together – that’s why these lyrics are better than anything your family is used to. Checkmate Bob Dylan!
Even the Beatles admitted that their lyrics were just a bunch of gibberish, stream-of-consciousness phrases put together. Like really, does anyone know what Hey Jude is even about? Tell your family to get with the times and hop on board the MC Ride train.
Show them music videos and live performances.
Sometimes hearing it isn’t enough. You have to show, not tell. And you know how much people love it when you pull out your phone saying “Watch this video,” holding them hostage for the next fifteen minutes. You can start off the same way most of us were introduced to the band, by showing them the music video for “Guillotine”. However, if you show them the video for “You might think he loves you for your money but I know what he really loves you for…” with nearly three minutes of a close up of MC Ride’s face, they’ll feel even more connected to the artists and won’t be able to turn down a song or two. Hell, throw in a few rave reviews from Anthony Fantano to show them you’re not the only one who likes this band.
Remind them how passionate the band is.
There’s no denying the electric energy from MC Ride’s performances and Zach Hill’s drumming that these guys are passionate at what they do. If you show them live clips of Zach Hill’s intense and passionate drumming skills it’ll remind them of John Bonham, which is a foolproof way of getting them on your side.
When you put on a Death Grips song, you can’t perform it as stiff as a rock. You have to match their energy. With the proper emulated passion from singing their songs for karaoke night, you’ll have your grandmother crowd-surfing in the living room in no time.
Following these guidelines could help you out the same way it helped local piano de-tuner, Dan Shepherd, rekindle his relationship with his family, who now celebrates a monthly Death Grips karaoke night every third Friday of the month.