Boba Fett, getting picked on, and computer games are not generally the makings of a hip-hop song. More often than not, drugs, profanity and women make up most popular lyrics of the genre.
The term “nerdcore” rap may seem like an oxymoron but that’s exactly what it is. MC Chris’ lyrics and rap style epitomize the strife of a gamer lost in a rapper’s world.
Or is he a rapper lost in a gamer’s world?
Concert goers can decide for themselves on Wednesday when MC Chris steps on the stage at 6 p.m. at Cine El Rey in McAllen.
However you define it, MC Chris’s high-pitched voice and true-to-life lyrics are just about as legitimate as rap artists can get, reflecting the events and interests that are the realities of growing up in a mostly white, upper middle class suburb of Chicago. From watching the children’s show Fraggle Rock to playing Mario Party to being a benchwarmer, the former Adult Swim star’s lyrics are an eclectic mix of geekiness with plenty of pot references, sorority girls and explicit lyrics thrown in.
“If you listen to it you can definitely piece together a childhood,” Chris said.
It’s tough to find a lyric without at least one marijuana or video game reference. MC Chris’ track “FTW” off of his album Dungeon Master of Ceremonies is actually all about combining the two:
“Hip-to-be-Squares won’t admit defeat/While they inhale antihistamines/Now please spark a spliff of the crystal kief/Then try to beat me at SoulCalibur 3.”
“My music is very satirical,” Chris said. “I mean it’s meant to be funny and taken light heartedly.”
With such a bizarre crisscross of genres, one wonders who makes up Chris’s fan base. Most listeners are fans of Chris’s character on the late night Cartoon Network show "Aqua Teen Hunger Force," MC Pee Pants. Chris attributes most of his musical success to the animated television series and Adult Swim network that he left in 2004 to pursue his musical career. However, with over 300 shows under his belt Chris has developed the growing “nerdcore” genre and created a diverse fan base.
“It’s mainly college guys (at my shows) but I’ve literally seen every kind of person from old women to little kids,” Chris said. “Every kind of race, body type, anything.”
Concert goers should expect less of a hardcore rap show however and anticipate, well, a nerd show. Chris delivers what’s expected from a self proclaimed “geek” rapper: a man and his computer.
“I love touring, I love traveling around the country.” Chris said. “I feel weird when I’m not touring.”
While touring, Chris intends to make the switch on television from animation to live action videos by slowly developing his music videos into short films.
“You can jump mediums as an artist,” Chris said. “I don’t feel limited to music or to animation.”
What about the future of the genre Chris helped pioneer? Chris refuses to make predictions for other geeky rappers whose songs are like his, more than parodies but less than gangsta.
“I can’t really make a declaration about the genre,” Chris said. “I don’t know if its got legs. I’ve got legs. I mean it’s going great with me but I can’t speak for what everybody else is doing.”
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MC Chris
Where: Cine El Rey, 311 S. 17th St., McAllen
When: 6 p.m. Wednesday
Admission: $15
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Kate Cagle covers features and entertainment for The Monitor. You can reach her at (956) 683-4427.
