Read Kids' Books Over Hip-Hop Instrumentals
Make story time exciting with kids' books read over hip-hop beats, inspired by Wes Tank's model.
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The moment
It's a rainy afternoon, and your kids are restless from hearing the same bedtime stories over and over. The usual antics of Dr. Seuss have lost their magic, and you're scrambling for a novel way to keep them engaged.
What you need
- A copy of a rhyming children's book like "Fox in Socks"
- Clean instrumental version of hip-hop tracks like Dr. Dre's "What's the Difference"
- A speaker or phone capable of playing music
- Access to Wes Tank's YouTube videos for reference
Do this
- Watch a Wes Tank video online with your kids to introduce the concept of reading Dr. Seuss over hip-hop beats. Focus on "Fox in Socks" — link.
- Choose a children's book that rhymes, such as "Fox in Socks," and a corresponding clean hip-hop instrumental track.
- Connect your phone or device to a speaker to ensure clear audio playback.
- Play the instrumental track at a comfortable volume.
- Start reading the book out loud, keeping pace with the beat of the instrumental.
- Engage the kids by encouraging them to clap their hands or nod their heads along with the rhythm.
- After finishing, ask if they'd like to try another book or listen to the same one again.
What changes
Your children remain engaged and entertained, enjoying the rhythmic blend of a familiar story with a hip-hop twist. You'll know it worked when they ask to do it again or clap a story line on cue with the music.
