You know that get-up and dance feeling you always get every time you hear “Push It” by Salt-n-Pepa? Is “Rappers Delight” by Sugar Hill Gang one of your karaoke staples? Well for our staff here at Party Remedies , both of these songs conjure up images and feelings of growing up in the late 80′s/early 90′s when rap and hip/hop came to the forefront. In honor of some of the greatest performers to take the stage: LL Cool J, Salt-n-Pepa, Run DMC, and even Vanilla Ice, why not throw an old school rap/hip-hop party for you and your posse?! (Don’t judge, you know you said posse in 1989.)
INVITATION TYPE
- Snail Mail – send a graffiti inspired invitation and address your friends with their appropriate rap nickname, like “Slim”, “Little B” , or “Mark from the Block.”
DECORATIONS
This should feel like a mix between a junior high dance and block-party.
- Go Completely Old School: crepe paper steamers, balloon arches….but remember to keep the decorations sparse as you want it have that block party feel where it was more about the food and music.
- Graffiti Wall, when your friends come in they can tag the wall kinda like a freeway underpass.
- Plastic Cups, Cutlery, and Plates. Try not to get matching or coordinating colors as to play to that block party everybody brought something to the mix atmosphere.
FOOD AND DRINK MENU
Even though its cold outside, channel a Saturday afternoon in July when your Uncle Willy helped you and the kids from the block unscrew the fire hydrant for an insta-sprinkler to inspire this menu.
- Appetizer: Big Bowls of Chips (regular, no flavors), Pretzels, and Cheese Curls. Tortilla chips were not popular yet so regretfully, no chips and salsa should be served.
- Entrée: Fried Chicken, Macaroni and Cheese, Cole Slaw, and Corn Muffins. Classic block party food. You could even take it a step further and have your friends bring the sides.
- Dessert: Brownies and Cookies, keep it simple and classic.
- Cocktail: This is where the fun is! For the non-alcoholic friends, red and purple flavor Kool Aid …YES RED AND PURPLE ARE FLAVORS! For those who want to go real old school we suggest buckets of Colt 45 (or your favorite malt liquor), Mad Dog 20/20, and Seagram’s Gin and Juice…yeah I said it Gin and Juice. You may be trying to judge me but you know you stole your older siblings from their sock drawer!
ENTERTAINMENT
This party is all about the music!
- While in this day and age we have MP3 players and satellite radios, try to go vintage if you can. Whip out old suggest mix CDs with your favorite pre-bling bling rap (anything prior to 1996). If you can dig out some of your mix-tapes that would be even better.
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There are some musts to this play list:
- “Big Poppa” by Notorious B.I.G.
- “Gin and Juice” by Snoop Dogg
- “I Used to Love H.E.R.” by Common
- “Mama Said Knock You Out” by LL Cool J
- “Ice Ice Baby” by Vanilla Ice
- “Push-It” by Salt-n-Pepa
- “Can’t Touch This” by M.C. Hammer
- “Funky Cold Medina” by Tone Loc
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If you still need inspiration for a solid playlist here are a couple of places to check out:
GAMES
Block Parties and Junior High Dances seem to spark competitions…we don’t really know why, though.
- Beat Box Battle: Get everyone huddled together in a circle and have two people at a time battle each other beat boxing. This is sure to get the crowd going and who knows maybe someone will discover their hidden talent.
- East Coast/West Coast Battle: Split your posse into East Coast and West Coast and do a rap battle…even if you can’t lay down a mad flow you can still get a good laugh from your attempts…and the East Coast always wins!
ATTIRE
- For the guys, Adidas Sweat Suit….bring out your inner LL Cool J and Run D.M.C.
- For the ladies, Airbrush T-shirts, Acid Washed Jeans, Big Hoop Earrings, and Big Gelled Hair.
- High Top Rebooks, Jordan’s, or White Shell Toe Adidas
LAST MINUTE TIPS
Just remember what Vanilla Ice says…”Yo man let’s get out of here, Word to your mother.”
And as always, remember to bring your camera!
