Chap Hop?

Anyone who has been listening to me or keeping an eye on my Facebook page will know that I have been completely bewitched by the musical sub-genre of Chap Hop.

The concept is simple enough. This is a Hip Hop/Rap style where the artists affect an upper-class English accent, use very clear and correct pronunciation and rap about the very essence of "Englishness" - Tea, Cricket, Manners, etc, while often using music sampled from that of the early 1900's (Think Jeeves and Wooster), and then wrapped up in classic gentleman's fashion stylings based on that of the "chappist" and "Steampunk" brigade.

There are two major players in the "scene", who are currently involved in a "feud".

First up is Mr. B, who's look is that of the English gent, complete with tweed jacket and moustache and who plays a banjolele. His songs are mainly based on manners, gentlemanly behaviour and etiquette.

The other is Professor Elemental. He is of an entirely different cut...His dress style is that of the late 1800's Victorian explorer, and the subject matter for his lyrics follow the same theme, along with songs about tea and Englishness.

On one hand, I wonder if this will get old quickly, but Alestorm and MC Pitman both hold their appeal to me, so maybe not. Besides, I can't help but feel some warped sense of "pride" in being English when listening to this stuff and life is too short to be too serious all the time. So, lighten up, put the kettle on and brew yourself a nice cup of "brown joy".