Albert Tatlock Posted July 23, 2010 Share Posted July 23, 2010 Quite funny - though they claim some things from Cardiff - the bastards! For fans of Goldie Looking Chain. Newport parody of Empire State of Mind - a link to the video in the article. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/music-news/7905737/Newport-parody-of-Empire-State-of-Mind-becomes-online-hit.html The spoof version of Empire State of Mind received almost 200,000 hits within just two days of being placed on YouTube. Like the music video for the original track, the joke offering is shot in black and white with its stars singing about famous landmarks and cultural clichés. However, rather than the Manhattan skyline as a backdrop, Newport rapper Alex Warren and singer Terema Wainwright celebrate the sights of the Welsh city. Rather than a grand piano in Times Square, Wainwright plays a battered synthesizer on the riverfront and croons in a thick Welsh accent: "In Newport, concrete jumble nothing in order, not far from the border. “When you're in Newport. Chips, cheese, curry makes you feel brand new, washed down with a Special Brew.” The video was produced by director Morgan-Jane "MJ" Delaney, 24, from London, who said she "can't believe" how quickly the video has taken off. She said: "We came up with the idea when we were singing along with Jay-Z and trying different words in place of New York – Newport was by far the funniest. "My mother is Welsh so she put me in touch with my uncle's, wife's, sister, who lives in Newport, and she came up with some great ideas for the lyrics. "We wanted to make something people from Newport would be proud of and we have had some really positive feedback. "I was hoping for 10,000 hits at the most but it's grown so fast and we can't believe how quickly it has taken off. "I hope Jay-Z and Alicia get to see the video as long as their publishing people don't force us to take it offline. It's only tongue in cheek." The spoof song is titled Newport (Ymerodraeth State of Mind). Ymerodraeth is the welsh word for empire. MJ came up with the idea in May this year and wrote the lyrics with friends Leo Sloley and Tom Williams before filming with Warren and Wainwright in June. The song follows in the footsteps of hip hop group Goldie Lookin Chain, from Newport, who shot to fame in 2004 for their comedy take on Welsh society. MJ includes references to famous Welsh celebrities and boldly states: "Bugger off Alicia, Shirley Bassey is our queen." The first verse continues: "On the dance floor raving, pack of 16 Benson, someone fighting bouncers – turns out it's Gavin Henson." One of the choruses pays tribute to Newport's Chinese twin town and presenter Josie D'Arby. "In Newport, twinned with Guangxi Province in China, there's no province finer. Josie D'Arby's from Newport. Yes it's strange we didn't know either, thank you Wikipedia. "Let's say some more Newports, Newports, Newports." Another mocks the Gwent city’s well-documented problems with traffic congestion: "In Newport, access from the A4042, traffic will enrage you, on your way to Newport. “Our shopping centre is quite new, big leeks will inspire you. Repeat to fade Newport, Newport, Newport." The track has been aired on BBC Radio 1 and tweeted by celebrities including Lily Allen, Gavin and Stacey comic Rob Brydon, and comedians Phil Jupitus and Dom Joly. While Jay Z has a wealth of world-famous landmarks to rap about, Warren even stoops to a reference about the offices of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency. He sings: “Yeah you know the D to the V the LA. Dad said ‘Get a job with them’, but Swansea’s too far away.” Later he pays homage to Welsh celebrities, rapping: “Tom Jones, Steve Jones, Zeta-Jones, traffic cones, if you come and visit, use the designated parking zones.” Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Magnetized Posted July 24, 2010 Share Posted July 24, 2010 Quite funny - though they claim some things from Cardiff - the bastards! For fans of Goldie Looking Chain. Newport parody of Empire State of Mind - a link to the video in the article. http://www.telegraph...online-hit.html This is very funny! Thanks for posting it. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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