Naughty by Nature's "Hip Hop Hooray," originally released back in 1992, has been given the remix treatment in the name of COVID-19 containment efforts.
As you'll recall, Rita Wilson—who tested positive for the novel coronavirus alongside husband Tom Hanks—recently shared an IG post in which she performed the song as part of her personal regimen to prevent going "quarantine stir-crazy."
Now, Wilson and Naughty by Nature have linked up for an official remix, with all net profits going to the MusiCares Foundation Inc. COVID-19 Relief Fund.
"'Hip Hop Hooray' is like modern day Shakespeare," Wilson said Monday. "I originally learned the song for one of the most fun roles I ever played in the film Boy Genius. It took me a month to learn because it's so complex and nuanced; it was like training for a marathon. The rhythms and tempos are so unique and creative. When I was quarantined and recovering from COVID-19 I wanted to see if I still remembered it, kind of like a brain exercise. To my surprise I did. I thought it would be fun to put it on my Instagram to show people I was doing okay and to make them smile. When Naughty By Nature commented about it, I couldn't believe it. What a joy to be doing this remix with legends of the Hip-Hop world. I'm forever grateful for their generosity of spirit and for being able to raise money together for MusiCares® COVID-19 Relief Fund."
Naughty by Nature, meanwhile, said they were "honored" to see Wilson's initial IG post. They also thanked the couple for embracing them during such a trying time for the global music community.
"We were totally shocked she could rap the verses so well," Naughty by Nature—Treach, Vin Rock, and DJ Kay Gee—said in a joint statement. "We were aware she contracted COVID-19, and was quarantined along with her husband Tom. The next thing we know, everyone began to inbox us her Instagram. We are honored to be part of the remix of our classic song to raise awareness and help fight the coronavirus. Thanks again to Rita Wilson and Tom Hanks for embracing us, and for helping us take the unexpected viral moment further for such a great cause."
Stream the new remix below via YouTube. This Friday, it hits all streaming services.
