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December 19, 2005
LOST IN YOUTUBE AGAIN
"Lazy Sunday" rap video from "SNL"? Really funny, in lots of ways. (cheers, Wook)
Andy Samberg? Really funny.
Chris Parnell? Fucking awful. I hate his rap schtick on so many levels. It's not:
A. "white guy trying to be black" funny, because he's pathetic at that.
And it's not:
B. "white guy making fun of other white guys" funny, because he's so incredibly un-nuanced in his portrayal of how white guys actually act. Yes, there are nuances. Any chance at doubled-up irony just kinda dies right there.
And Parnell's rap schtick is not:
C. "so clumsy that it's somehow genuine" funny, because it's obvious that the clumsiness is semi-calculated in an attempt to fulfill either premise A or premise B. Fuck, dude, just write the raps and find somebody else to do them, like, say, another Samberg.
Because Samberg fucking nails it.
The Kutcher/Korver, bigmouth/bighair look? Check. The naturally-cocky-yet-delightfully-cheesy delivery? Check. The (total self awareness) + (total not caring if he embarasses himself) + (adolescent fury) thing? Check. A general sense that he actually loves rap music and therefore must skewer it in order to show his love? Check.
So it comes down to that: Parnell is just a hater who can write a little, probably.
Posted by JW at 12:43 AM | Permalink
Comments
With all due respect, lighten up Frances.
Posted by: flink at Dec 19, 2005 3:29:45 PM
I've seen Parnell rap on "Weekend Update" far too many times. He just doesn't do it for me.
Posted by: JW at Dec 19, 2005 11:01:35 PM
First off, thanks for introducing me to this clip...so damn funny.
I have to respectfully disagree with you on the dissing of Parnell. The man has skills. I also happen to think he's quite funny. There's something about his complete lack of pride that I enjoy. I don't think he's trying to be black, make fun of white guys, or being goofy. I just think he's honestly giving it his best shot...and good or bad he pulls it off. It's like he's rapping in his car and you get to listen in.
Posted by: Chris at Dec 20, 2005 10:45:12 AM
I'm ambivalent about Parnell in general. I do agree that there are times when he's spot-on, and I respect the fact that he has a large dorky side.
But when it comes to his MC skits, I look at it this way: If they were accidental, like somebody captured him on tape just going for it, then I might have more respect for how he does things.
But it seems as though somewhere along the way, he calculated what it would take to be a "funny MC" and then honed all the wrong parts of the act. Somebody offline pointed out that he's a classically trained actor. Fine, but I think he's using too many of his tools.
Another way to look at it: Is he anywhere as good as a rapper as Christopher Guest, Harry Shearer or Michael McKean are as washed-up metal dudes?
Maybe that's an unfair comparison (I think we can all agree that Spinal Tap is the gold standard), but still.
Posted by: JW at Dec 20, 2005 11:03:31 AM
ADDENDUM: I don't know about you guys, but I can't stop saying, "Mr. Pibb plus Red Vines equals crazy delicious" in my head.
Posted by: JW at Dec 20, 2005 11:44:42 AM
ADDENDUM II: "You could call us Aaron Burr/From the way we're droppin' Hamiltons."
Now that's good stuff.
Posted by: JW at Dec 20, 2005 11:47:39 AM
man. yea, i disagree too. if you think its calculated, you should work at US magazine, cuz you think far too fucking much about it. either you think hes funny or hes not, and i dont think its going for points a-c and i see no difference between samberg and parnell. as far as "ashton mouth- check!" um i dont think thats part of his schtick, he looks like every other hipster model. so these elaborate schemes are actually just people being funny.
Posted by: dave at Dec 20, 2005 2:37:10 PM
I am humbled. This blog will cease publishing.
Posted by: JW at Dec 20, 2005 4:15:57 PM
Well, wait, here's some good background from BoingBoing about the guys who made the Narnia vid.
Posted by: JW at Dec 20, 2005 6:49:45 PM
I dunno... I liked the bit even after I tried to read too much into it. Here's another current fave...http://www.hollywood-elsewhere.com/images/column/120205/jonze.mov
Posted by: linky at Dec 20, 2005 11:23:17 PM
I got your back, JW. Parnell is not/has not/will not ever be funny. He might be a decent writer, but he's a hack TV laugh-boy. I think you nailed his problems, and in so doing, planted your seed in his incredibly awkward womb.
Posted by: Lovely at Dec 21, 2005 6:05:15 PM
If you hate "Parn" so much then dont watch it and stop complaning. At least he HAS a rap video. (Or whatever they be called)
Posted by: moose at Jan 9, 2006 6:36:18 PM
Oh also, ! I think that he is not trying to make fun of anyone he is just doing his thing like the person up above me said earlier. He doesnt have any pride in this and he is not really attacking anyone. Ill stop now
Posted by: moose at Jan 9, 2006 6:38:42 PM
I bet you have all of Shaq's rap albums.
Posted by: JW at Jan 10, 2006 11:34:03 AM
I personally like to see a dorky white guy who can rap (and who isn't M&M). It just goes to show that talent doesn't come from "life in the hood". Sounds like JW is the real "hater". Rock on, Parnell!
Posted by: khaunter at Jan 10, 2006 4:55:46 PM
My unqualified respect for Andy Samberg's performance seems to be getting lost in all of this. He's white, right?
Posted by: JW at Jan 10, 2006 5:22:20 PM
