Mr. B The Gentleman Rhymer
Mr. B The Gentleman Rhymer (real name Jim Burke) is a parodist who is one of the pioneers of Chap Hop — Hip Hop delivered in a Received Pronunciation accent. Mr. B raps, or "rhymes", about high society, pipe smoking and Cricket while playing the banjolele. His appearance is that of a dapper chap from the 1920's, complete with period mustache and pipe. He has become quite popular in the Steampunk community with his parody of N.W.A.'s "Straight outta Compton" called "Straight Out Of Surrey."
He is currently in a Rap Feud with "chap-hop" artist Professor Elemental.
Tropes he displays:
- Affectionate Parody: Most of Mr. B's songs, most notably "Straight Out Of Surrey" and "Chap-Hop History."
- British Accents: Mr. B rhymes in the Received Pronunciation.
- Dashingly Dapper Derby: Mr. B often wears one.
- Distinguished Gentleman's Pipe
- Hip Hop
- Nice Hats: Mr. B always sports a nice hat, be it a newsboy cap, bowler, boater or trilby.
- Pipe Smoking Is Cool
- Protest Song: Mr. B complains about not being able to light up his pipe in a pub in "Let Me Smoke My Pipe!"
- Quintessential British Gentleman
- Rap Feud: Currently in a feud with fellow chap-hop artist Professor Elemental, which has gained them both international recognition.
- Sharp-Dressed Man
- Spot of Tea: In the video for his song, "Mr. B's World Cup Song," Mr. B escapes some kidnappers by enticing them into having a cup of tea with him (and later a game or cricket).
- Stiff Upper Lip
- Take That: "Whatever Happened To Timothy?" is a Take That at Radio 1 DJ Tim Westwood, mocking him for his Pretty Fly for A White Guy persona.
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Whatever happened to Timothy? |
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