Polygon's Brian David Gilbert Creates the Perfect Pokemon Rap
By Wyatt Fossett ·
During a panel at PAX East 2019 in Boston, Polygon's Brian David Gilbert spoke about the meticulous crafting of his new and improved PokeRap.
Just a few weeks after the reveal of the newest Pokemon mainline game, Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield, one video game enthusiast and video producer took it on himself to recreate a beloved piece of the Pokemon franchise.
If there is one thing above all others that is sacred in the Pokemon world it’s that goofy and fun Pokemon Rap that would play in pieces over the course of the week. At PAX East 2019, Brian David Gilbert of Polygon revealed to the world his newly updated PokeRap. One that included
The original would play in part at the end of every episode of Pokemon the animated television show. Throughout the week watchers would accumulate sections of the song and would have a full rap by the week’s end.
Rose Colored Glasses
The Pokemon Rap is one of the most quintessential examples of nostalgia. It’s a bad song, but we loved it anyway, and we continue to do so without question because it meant something to Pokemon fans back then. Making it faultless today.
Gilbert’s presentation regarding the creation of the perfect and modern PokeRap goes explains, in short, just how flawed the original actually is. Though, he took on the difficult task of improving it without hesitation, citing his entire life as research.
In order to include all 812 Pokemon in his updated version, Gilbert took a few short-cuts, but that doesn’t discount just how brilliant the new Pokemon Rap is. In fact, Gilbert went a long way to create such a rap, stating that “I’m not trying to make the perfect PokeRap. Rather, the perfect song.”
Including portions of audience participation, interpretive dance, and a whole lot of clever comedy, the 2019 PokeRap is just as much an ode to the original rap, as it is a pure expression of one man’s obsession and talent.
Watch Brian David Gilbert’s PokeRap below.
The Perfect PokeRap
Hosted by Polygon, the entire PAX East 2019 presentation by Brian David Gilbert can be seen below. Gilbert goes into great detail regarding his need to include things like an educational portion, how triplet rhymes work, and what a Gesamtkunstwerk is.
Do you remember the PokeRap from the late ’90s? What’s your favorite part of Gilbert’s updated version? Do you have a story like Gilbert's love for his Tangela? Share in the comments below.