There are several great things about A Tribe Called Quest’s Ham and Eggs. What originally drew me in were the playful lyrics, the catchy hook, but for the kiddos, the part that gets the most love right now is the Funk and the Rhythm. More specifically, the call and response section the last minute of the song. The song actually calls for Funk and Rhythm, but when Toddlers sing it, it’s more like Fonk, Wiffum.
Kind of Tot Rocker: Awake Baby
Why it’s a Tot Rocker: The subject matter is about food, the chorus is easy to sing and it’s easy to personalize it. For example,
“I don’t eat no ham and eggs, cuz they’re high in cholesterol.”
“Yo, Harper. Do you eat ’em?”
“No. Clayton, do you eat ’em?”
“Uh-uh. Not at all.”
You need to watch this video, if only to be reminded of the amazing 90’s fashions. Tot Rocker #21, Ham and Eggs by A Tribe Call Quest:
No! YOU say Fonk, I SAY WIFFUM!
There are some things that stick with kids and some things that don’t. Calling snap peas “pokey joes” (not my idea) didn’t stick. Taking turns calling out, “Funk” and responding “Rhythm,” stuck. It’s only a problem if both Tots want to out Funk the other person- and then it can get ugly. Fonk, wiffum might eventually go the way of the pokey joe, but for now it’s one of our favorite games.
Other Tot Rockers by A Tribe Called Quest: Can I Kick It (sleepy baby), I left my wallet in El Segundo (awake baby).
Similar Tot Rockers: Me, Myself and I by De La Soul, Peter Piper by Run DMC
Get To Know A Tribe Called Quest. Fonk. Wiffum.
Tot Rockin' 