"Fighting Trousers" by Professor Elemental

Today, I'm going to introduce you to the delightful genre affectionately known as "chap hop." It's exactly what it sounds like - hip hop from the point of view of an early 20th century gentleman. Very much in the same vein of those fictional rap battles on YouTube that feature everything from Disney princesses to historical figures. Chap hop has grown to be a beloved part of the retro-futurist music scene, as its playful sound adds a little light-heartedness to the gritty atmosphere portrayed in most steampunk. Chap hop originated in England and focuses on stereotypical English pastimes, like tea, cricket, and proper etiquette in social settings. Looking at the artists in this genre, most of their names are plays on the old-timey version of the idea of the 19th century gentleman, ranging from pretty tame Professor Elemental to the downright punny Poplock Holmes. Regardless, it's British humor at it's finest - self-deprecating, full of dry wit, and hilarious....as long as you understand the cultural footnotes.

I've got super producers and fans that play me

You've got a granddad's mustache and a ukulele

Don't look around sir, I'm speaking to you

Roll up your shirt sleeves, Queensbury rules

Never test professors with the cleverest wits

Let's settle this like gentlemen: armed with heavy sticks

In "Fighting Trousers," Professor Elemental is essentially challenging Mr. B The Gentleman Rapper to a round of fisticuffs. Some of the fun references that the average layperson may not be familiar with (especially if they haven't delved to deeply into British culture and Steampunk) are the insistence that they follow Queensbury rules, which are the generally accepted rules of boxing. Also to be noted in the world of chap hop is the extensive use of the instrument affectionately known as a "banjolele," which is ukulele-sized banjo. To be honest, I didn't know such a thing existed until just now, but it also helped me understand the reference to George Formby. Formby was an early 20th century comedian who told jokes through song, using a banjolele to accompany his verses. Anyway, the "rivalry" between Professor Elemental and Mr. B provides some entertaining fodder for the genre, with Mr. B putting out his own diss track, "Just Like a Chap," in response to "Fighting Trousers."

"Fighting Trousers" Video