Hearkening back to the days when "Fresh Prince Of Bel Air" was on the tube,… Read Full Bio ↴Hearkening back to the days when "Fresh Prince Of Bel Air" was on the tube, "House Party" was on the big screen and Hammer ruled the radio, the RETRO KIDZ are in the building -- and trust us, you won't miss them. Draped in the freshest late 80's and early 90's gear and emanating feel-good vibes of yesteryear that today's blinged-out hip-hop seems to have shed, the colorful crew comprised of high school friends Sur Fresh Alot, First Lady, Lucky a.k.a Gumby, Kool Kid, Joeski, Ill Will, J.Smooth and SkyTell are the latest signees to the new game-changing and genre-bending lifestyle label, BROBOT, started by Aahmek Richards, producer Bryce Wilson and DJ/producer Junior Sanchez. The Kidz's story picked up steam months ago when one of dance music's most successful producers, Armand Van Helden ("The Funk Phenomena," "My My My", etc.) told Aahmek he was "looking for rappers with high-top fades" to star in the video TriggerHappy was producing for his latest hit, "I Want Your Soul" -- a bright and fun video directed by New York sweetheart Vashtie. The story line follows a young guy who buys an old boom box on the street, and when he hits play, it transports him back in time to the early 90s. "And then the Retro Kidz pop up," Van Helden says. "I've had people tell me when they see the I Want Your Soul video, 'Where did you get the old school footage?' Friends at the shoot had huge smiles and were like, 'Wow, when you see them, when they're right next to you, it just brings you back.'" The relationship didn't stop there -- Van Helden offered to produce the group's debut single, "New Era", an unapologetic, break-heavy 90's dance reinvention that is now currently available on iTunes. The track has garnered much love on NYC radio -- starting when legendary DJ Funkmaster Flex dropped 8 bombs (akin to a rewind) on HOT 97, resulting in much media love for the Retros from outlets like Vibe, XXL, URB, Warp, IQ, AllHipHop.com, Hip- Hop Weekly, Yo! MTV Raps, and BET. The boys and their lovely First Lady were even invited guests and performers at Diddy's Miami pad last March. In fact, the Retro Kidz have become quite the party starters in New York, known to roll up on a soiree and spur ear-to-ear smiles from everyone who sees them, and, according to Kool Kid, lots of double-takes. "Sometimes triple-takes," he laughs from the Brobot studios in New York. "Sometimes people yell, 'Big Daddy Kane! Kid N' Play!', and we love that we bring you that far back. Ultimately though, we are a movement. It doesn't have to be 80s. It doesn't have to be 90s. We just want people to have fun again, be stylish, and express themselves."

New Era
Retro Kidz Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Brand new era right now, we're about to put it together right now,
Listen it's a new era right now, what we're putting together right now (It's a movement)
It's a new era right now what we're putting together right now (It's a movement)
It's a new era right now what we're putting together right now (It's a movement)

Suuurrrr freeeshhhh
That's right it's a new era, if you knew better, you woould do better,
You've never met a cool fella who could move better than this, it's

About to increase the level of adrenaline it's (huh)
Gonna get you to level that you'll never forget, with the level that
You'll never forgive, so get this put this on your hit list, I know
You'd rather miss christmas than miss this, when you see me
Homie (huh)
Your just seeing yaself, I'm sur fresh alot I ain't afraid of being
Myself
This is for the dancers, the 2 steps, this is for the people that's in
There making some new steps
Please don't nag me cause my kicks old and my pants ain't baggy,
I'm doing one of the things that I like to do
And u probably ight like it to (haha)
Rrreeeettttrrrroooooo!

Brand new era right now, we're about to put it together right now,
Listen it's a new era right now, what we're putting together right now (It's a movement)
It's a new era right now what we're putting together right now (It's a movement)
It's a new era right now what we're putting together right now (It's a movement)

Do you get the movement I move with (uhh huh)
If you get the movement then move with the movement or move it!
Wack rap you can see that it won't sell (nnoopee)
Who am I mr c double o l
Wonderful so well oh well won't tell, everybody and anybody whos
Anybody (uhh huh)
People hate long as we make it you know we see the hate
So, we used to the constant hating that's why our bond is beyond
Amazing
But look now I'm telling you this, this is gonna be as big as
America gets
(Yyyyeeeeeesssssss!)

Brand new era right now, we're about to put it together right now,
Listen it's a new era right now, what we're putting together right now (It's a movement)
It's a new era right now what we're putting together right now (It's a movement)
It's a new era right now what we're putting together right now (It's a movement)

It started with us going to the clubs and just chillin yo
Now we in videos the movement getting bigger yo
I guess god showin us we bout to really blow
(Wwwhooaa)
See I don't get sidetracked, besides that I'm just a brother from
The struggle man, incorporating the struggle of the mother lands
Music right now is missing it's touch
You need concepts listen to uusss!

Brand new era right now, we're about to put it together right now,
Listen it's a new era right now, what we're putting together right now (It's a movement)
It's a new era right now what we're putting together right now (It's a movement)
It's a new era right now what we're putting together right now (It's a movement)

Brand new era right now, we're about to put it together right now,
Listen it's a new era right now, what we're putting together right now (It's a movement)

It's a new era right now what we're putting together right now (It's a movement)
It's a new era right now what we're putting together right now (It's a movement)

Overall Meaning

The Retro Kidz's song "New Era" is a celebration of a new movement, a new phase in their musical careers. The song is a rallying cry to their listeners to join them in this new era, to embrace the fresh and exciting music they are creating. The lyrics exude confidence and power, with the Retro Kidz asserting that they are capable of creating something bigger and better than anything that has come before.

Beginning with the repeated refrain of "Brand new era right now, we're about to put it together right now," the song establishes the idea that this is a collaborative movement, something that everyone can be a part of. The phrase "it's a movement" is repeated several times throughout the song, underscoring the idea that this is a new phase in music that is being spearheaded by the Retro Kidz and their fans.

As the lyrics continue, the Retro Kidz express their individuality and their commitment to their craft. They are unapologetic about their older kicks and less-than-baggy pants, emphasizing that they are doing what they love and that their listeners will enjoy it too. The song continues to build in energy and intensity, ultimately closing with a repetition of the refrain and a final call to action to join the Retro Kidz in this new era.

Overall, "New Era" is an anthem for those who are willing to embrace something new and exciting in music. The Retro Kidz are confident in their abilities and their vision, and they are calling on their fans to join them in this new movement, characterized by fresh beats, cool grooves, and a commitment to creativity and expression.

Line by Line Meaning

Brand new era right now, we're about to put it together right now,
We are ushering in a new era and actively working to create something groundbreaking.

Listen it's a new era right now, what we're putting together right now (It's a movement)
We are creating a movement that will define this new era.

It's a new era right now what we're putting together right now (It's a movement)
Our efforts will manifest as part of this new era, and it's all part of the same movement.

Suuurrrr freeeshhhh
We're coming in hot and fresh, ready to make our mark.

That's right it's a new era, if you knew better, you woould do better,
We recognize this as a new era of possibility, and anyone who knows better will act accordingly.

You've never met a cool fella who could move better than this, it's
We ooze coolness and skill, and we're ready to prove it.

About to increase the level of adrenaline it's (huh)
Our energy is about to skyrocket, and we'll take everyone along for the ride.

Gonna get you to level that you'll never forget, with the level that
We're about to deliver something unforgettable that will elevate us all.

You'll never forgive, so get this put this on your hit list, I know
We'll make such an impact that no one will be able to forget us, so make sure to take note.

You'd rather miss christmas than miss this, when you see me
Missing out on this would be like skipping Christmas - unthinkable.

Homie (huh)
Hey, friend.

Your just seeing yaself, I'm sur fresh alot I ain't afraid of being
When you see us, you're really just seeing yourself reflected back; we're confident and unique enough to stand out.

This is for the dancers, the 2 steps, this is for the people that's in
Our movement is inclusive and welcomes everyone to participate, especially dancers and those who want to try new things.

There making some new steps
We're forging ahead and trying new things, leading the way for others to follow.

Please don't nag me cause my kicks old and my pants ain't baggy,
Don't judge us because our style is unique and may be different from what others are used to.

I'm doing one of the things that I like to do
We're staying true to ourselves and doing what we love, regardless of what others may think.

And u probably ight like it to (haha)
We're confident that others will enjoy what we're doing, too - no need to worry.

Rrreeeettttrrrroooooo!
Our movement is all about a throwback vibe and reviving what was once great.

Do you get the movement I move with (uhh huh)
Can you feel what we're trying to create and participate in the movement with us?

If you get the movement then move with the movement or move it!
Those who fully understand and support our movement should join us and dance along to the beat.

Wack rap you can see that it won't sell (nnoopee)
We reject bad or unoriginal music that won't go anywhere - our music will stand out and succeed because it's that good.

Who am I mr c double o l
We know who we are and we're proud of it - Mr. Cool.

Wonderful so well oh well won't tell, everybody and anybody whos
We're excellent at what we do and we'll let others figure out who we are through our work and movement.

Anybody (uhh huh)
(We appeal to) anyone who believes in our vision and this transformative new era.

People hate long as we make it you know we see the hate
We understand that people may not always like what we're doing, but as long as we keep at it, we'll keep pushing through the negativity.

So, we used to the constant hating that's why our bond is beyond
We've experienced hatred before and it's made us stronger and more united as a group, even in the face of adversity.

Amazing
We're pretty incredible, and we're not afraid to say so.

But look now I'm telling you this, this is gonna be as big as
We believe that our movement will be hugely successful and influential, on par with the greatness of America.

America gets
Our success will be just as well-known and celebrated as the country itself.

It started with us going to the clubs and just chillin yo
We started off as friends gathering in clubs and enjoying each other's company, which led to our movement.

Now we in videos the movement getting bigger yo
Our movement is growing and gaining visibility, even being featured in music videos.

I guess god showin us we bout to really blow
We believe that a higher power is guiding us towards even bigger success and impact.

(Wwwhooaa)
We're excited and enthusiastic about the potential of our movement.

See I don't get sidetracked, besides that I'm just a brother from
We're committed to staying focused and not getting distracted by anything that doesn't align with our vision.

The struggle man, incorporating the struggle of the mother lands
We recognize and honor the struggles faced by people in our home countries and aim to incorporate those experiences into our work.

Music right now is missing it's touch
We feel that a lot of music today is not hitting the mark and is rather forgettable.

You need concepts listen to uusss!
If you want to hear creative and thoughtful music, come listen to our movement and what we have to offer.

Contributed by Caleb R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

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Comments from YouTube:

Ashley Smith Rizzoli

11y↑11

I saw these guys live at Together As One 2009. I was hooked from the start. It's so sad they didn't really go anywhere or come out with anything else. They were pretty awesome live.

Household Hacker

16y↑3

There is a reason why music evolved past this.

Rinrn ‘

Rip

superteedee

15y↑2

This joint is the bomb!! Mad props to Retro Kidz.

beyondthetech

16y

I'm mid-30s and these Kidz seem to know enough of what happened in the 80's to put together something as solid as this. The steps they do are spot-on, and the whole idea brings me way back. I hope they continue to do their thing for the people that still enjoy it. Just bought their song on iTunes, added them to my MySpace, and added this video as a favorite. I'll be making requests on Z100 and KTU. Looking forward to what's next. :) Go RKZ!

kjcantgame

15y↑1

Thank you Retro Kidz. I hope you inspire more artists to follow this return of the Golden Age Hip-Hop style.

moogle1980

16y↑1

What a throwback. I hope this catches on, I forgot how good this style of rap is.

beyondthetech

16y

I just bought this song on iTunes! Thanks guys for doing this. Enjoy yourself on the way up!

T. E.

16y

If anyone wants to know how my childhood was and my teen year...all i have to do is show them this video. It's perfect. It showcases everything i loved from the late 80's and early 90's. I love that girl at the end...one part Salt'n Peppa and one part Rosie Perez "fight the power" style. 5 stars!

Where Ya' Moms At?

5y↑11

Before jay versace there was the retro kidz. I remember discovering them when i was in high school. I wish i had gotten on the vintage clothing game earlier

beyondthetech

16y↑1

Wow, this brings back some memories of the 80's. Awesome!

michael

15y↑1

I never lived in the 80s. But im very impressed in the concept of the song itself.

Adam Rafferty

16y↑1

I grew up in that era - glad to see this! Awesome.

Gina Aali

14y↑1

i completely agree! hope they make it big.

Renegade Crew

3y↑6

I remember this on BET ! I was rocking with them

SmoovArt DesignLab

15y

I am totally feeling the movement. Love this video. I hope to see more

Christina Martin

15y

Oh my gosh! Im about to jump into the time machine with you guys. Hip hop is dead thanks for bringing back meaningful and good lyrics. The colors were crazy also!! I will listen to the song but cant watch the vid again I got dizzy!lol good job anyway

James Sanchez

16y↑1

This could be the GREATEST THING TO HAPPEN TO HIP HOP IN THE LAST 10 YEARS!! No Bullshit! This shit is HOT! Take it back to when Hip hop was FUN!

Mike V

16y

AWESOME!!! Love the Max-Headroom spoofing! These guys know their stuff! 8-ball jackets, simon says electronic game...VERY well done

babiscorp86

15y

I'm loving this! Hope to see more.

Crysta Byrd

15y↑1

i know they are trying to bring the 80's or 90's back but this song is better then some music that is out right now im glad that they are being them

ninjapato

15y

i absolutely love what they are doing. love love love it. especially the hair

arowe750

16y

its about time we start bringing dance music back. you gota love the old school flavor you all put in the videos. way to bring hip hop back to its roots guys. i love it. brobots forever and for all the haters fuck off... hip hop's been cut and spliced since the beginning.

Joel Beighle

16y

If y'all knew anything you'd know these guys are legit. They're even featured on a track with little Wayne and have a lot more experience than you'd think. They've been inspired by a little thing called "golden age hip-hop". Something not a lot of people are familiar with. Oh yeah, and they've even been featured in rolling stones.

SPac316

16y

Hey, I grew up during these times, so this is a nice nostalgic trip. So yeah, I really dig this! I liked the NES type backgrouds!

sirgio777 Jamaica to the Universe

16y↑1

Great retro videos guys!!!...tru to the era it represents.

Directed by Puma

16y

Awesome!!!, Great job Retro Kidz....Scenario did his thing and I see Nina B....little trivia...towards the end at the stage scene, the crowd is ME!!!

GVike

16y

Wow, these guys nailed it. I am back to 1988. Salt-N-Pepa, Kid'N'Play, the bigass stereos... all these memory flashes wow...

Blue Rain

16y

This is a dope ass video and song. I love the combination of old school style and the new school sound and they're pretty decent lyricists. but it was a WRAP for me once I saw Duck Hunt, shit was dope!!

ejektro

15y

WOW I actually like it!! who knows maybe MC's WITH SKILLS and GOOD SOUNDING VOICES will be back!

Dj RyB

16y

This is sick as hell! Lovin' this!

DJ Dave Trouble

16y

Nice Moves ! I hope you put it out on vinyl for us "retro" dj's

Jay

14y

Man Im really back in my day......where the artist earned respect....thanks for bringin back creativity back to the game of music

Ricardo Madrazo

16y↑1

...which was represented by Run DMC and LL Cool J -- in fashion and music they were very different than what had been seen up to that point. This style represented by the Retro Kidz is the 3rd distinct major fashion and music style in hip hop, and it did indeed come out around 1988, followed closely by the West Coast style first burst out by NWA -- the raiders baseball caps, the bandanna, and the first gangsta style.

BDMNR

16y↑1

Wow, bring on the hate.... We need haters like you. It feeds the fire. Thx Man

JammerLea

16y

The 80s is like a toy that comes with candy. :D Way too colorful, but you just can't help yourself!

Doom Reverb

16y

Yay, another nostalgia act, we don't have enough of these. **Rolls eyes**

damon29

15y

I like this. Why because its different. This group has their own unique style with that old-school feel. 2008 was another year filled with rap clones. Which are rappers who look,rap,and sound alike. There is no reason for the Retro Kidz to follow that same trend. For example how many hip hop tracks had people saying A A A A in the background. Too damn many!

Rodrick Hayes

16y

I am 33 years old. I have already lived in this era as a kid and young adult. This is like a phase for the little kids to remember how we used to live. Peace.

D Nice

15y

this song is off the chain...a club bangin beat...this song makes you want to shake that ass on the dance floor...Luvin it

juanski11

16y

music from that era was good and actually had a message (not all, of course). what these guys managed to do is bring these beats and style and fused it with today's rap by NOT SAYING ANYTHING! please don't kill this style by heading toward the 'lil's, and soulja's, and cents lyrical absence.

D Lavine

16y

This vid is hot, the retro style is off da hook. Definitely brought me back!

VV55VV

16y

I think I better put this on my walkman right now to enjoy it fully "80's-Style"!

Calyce Mills

16y

I LOVE IT!!!

Vincent T Joachim

16y

I grew up in this era...I mean the music was real. Are they bringing back the high top fade? Jheri curls? I like the movement. The song is cool. I think they need to put their own spin on it. It's crazy to see them flatops again!

palebeachbum

16y

Flashback! I like it. Brings back memories. Hella better than the crap rap these days.

William Wilson

14y

I do miss when hip hop was about having fun. This just took me back to a happier time.

Byuni

16y

Love this stuff man!! (ofcourse I love all hip-hop as a whole)

rawjhaw

16y

I liked the jog down memory lane... the Kid'nPlay steps, C&C beat, hi-top fades... lol - I enjoyed it. Respect fellas... keep on

Tony Shannon 2

16y

I MISS THE 90S SO I LOVE IT

SlyDevil11

16y

Damn 80s are back full force with this one

Decembirth

15y

Very cute. I hope they do more retro videos.

palebeachbum

15y

Eh I like it. I grew up around people listening to rap/hip hop in the early '90's that sounded similar to this. Brings back memories for me. And as they say, what was old is new again. Teenagers now probably don't even have a clue that most of their fashion is based on OLD trends from the 50's, 60's, 70's, and 80's. Give it another 10yrs and the 80's will be IN again.

underworld1

16y

Awesome, I love rap, but this is like a whole new thing, awesome...

Jasmine

16y

Love It Yall! Soooo Fly!

Nathan Sanderson

13y

I'm doing the running man right now. Love this song!

Eri Jaee

16y

I love the 80s.

beyondthetech

16y

I can't get enough of this song... Where are my Skidz?

Jazz Noire

16y

I agree, Im from london but i love nyc so much!!!. My big brothers are from that era, he was a teen/young adult in the late 80s early 90s and he misses those days so much,unfortunate for me i was born in 85 so i only have memories of my brothers clothes and pics. When i played this video yesterday my bro was like"is that de la soul?" lol thats how commited they are, much respect,retro kidz

Debra Mitchell

14y

ORIGINALITY AT IT'S BEST!!

ecouriercouk

16y

Love it, reminds me of back in the day.. this song is based heavily on 'snaps, power' song.

choobacca

16y

high top fade? i'm loving this shit. look foward to more. word is born!

ThatSubieDude

16y

like it, love it, live it.. awesome video... love the retro...

datrixta

15y

dropped this joint at a party in santiago on thursday and it rocked, they loved it...

Lord Moro

5y↑1

This song is still a banger in 2019. That beat is fire if you like retro music. All y'all saying it sucks listen to mumble rappers.

N/A

14y

80's baby for life.....im feeling this

Benny Francis

14y

they need a 90s gangsta rap movement

Dustin McLaughlin

16y

kind of a breath of fresh air, i kind of dig this

GuyL44

16y

I like it! Very late 80's!

MortalTomkat

14y

nice to see, bringing back sumtin, dat we all used to love, back inda days. they truely showin tribute to the era, when hip hop wuz creative and full of individualism. people should appreciate dat!!!

Joe V. ILL

16y

that's the history of Hip Hop and music in general.

djgq

15y

big up the canadian hiphop, they always try to stay true to the roots. check out- K.Maro - Out In The Streets, Defenders of the Faith - Takin It To The Top Bishop Brigante - Hard Times Shad - The Old Prince Still Lives at Home

anon mon

14y↑1

This goes hard

Ray Zacario

16y

first time watching this video, this shit is hot!! the video is so different, so creative, i'm feeling it!!

samsamba08

15y

Ironic, that they call it "New Era"...when it's like they stepped in a time machine, there's nothing new about it. Their style is from the late 1980's, the whole basis of that "song" is from Snap!'s "Power". That said, I was at a South Beach party last year, and these cats were there, doing the Big Daddy Kane dance and all that...it was fun to watch. And also - it's to be noted that the style they have (even though it's an homage) is their "own", and not some record exec's idea.

Quasim Marshall

14y

80's styles are starting ti come back

Muzak Rebel

14y

whoa..love it.. Armand Van Helden is the BEST

sallie h

16y

Luvz it! I miss the old days.

alzger

15y

Haha! I love this, so good.

Calum Ross

16y

aw hell yeah. this is the jam! guessing that percussion sample is from Snap! i got the power yeah? when i watch this video i can only think of one thing FRESH PRINCE! haha this kicks ass

Willfully Informed

16y

Now this is the story all about how My life got flipped, turned upside down And Id like to take a minute just sit right there Ill tell you how I became the prince of a town called bel-air In west philadelfia born and raised On the playground where I spent most of my days Chilling out, maxing, relaxing all cool And all shooting some b-ball outside of the school When a couple of guys said were up in no good Started making trouble in my neighbrhood I got in one little fight and my mom got scared

atripa645

16y

Actually a lot of that stuff continued into the early 90's. I can tell you for sure because I was there and I remember gumbies and and the kid & play moves still around in like '90-'91 until I moved away from Houston.

Tishauna7

15y

HELL YEAH!! , takes me back to 88 lol

DeShaunte S.

15y

80s and 90s was the best of hip-hop the best !!!!!!

Stacey Fournier-Thibodaux

16y

Fun era - definitely brought back some memories1

AlfaTrion

16y

man i was waiting for something like this! thank you!!

Aceqwerty

16y

i love it!

Philip Wood

13y

You know it's funny... When I was a teenager in the 90s, most of the artist from that day were trying to be like people from the 70s hence the Gfunk era. We felt like we missed out during the 70s.

Kelly Best

12y↑1

All the haters should know, these guys separated a while ago because of problems with management. They were in some magazines and even on 106 & Park. Not everyone makes it. That's the business.

Ricardo Madrazo

16y

Actually this specific style DID come out around 1988, when Daddy Kane was the biggest rap star... before that there were several different hip hop styles, both in regard to fashion and music. The earliest style was the true old school, IE Grandmaster Flash and Afrikaa Bambaataa... their fashion style was much more akin to disco style, and so was their music (although Bambaataa was heavily influenced by Kraftwerk and other early electro bands). Then in 84 the first "new school" was born...

cyphre

16y

This is so awesome.

Xozona

16y↑1

While I absolutely LOVE 80s/early 90s popculture and have loathed the 2000s, I would honestly rather see a new movement that isn't just a condensed rehash of 1987-1993 cliches - I think people would appreciate something that cleverly and subtly borrows from that golden era with a fresh spin. This is fun but a little too literal for me...(I do love the Snap beat tho)

Sebastien Boudreau

12y

killer dope beat and it makes me miss the 80s ! -___- drake -___-

Jacob Holms

16y

hip hop never dies!..... yo!

RakaiThwei

16y

I love the hair-do here which the rappers are wearing! BRING BACK THE HIGH FLAT TOP!!

Ode Broham

16y

yo fam. dis is what hip hop use to really sound like. it dont matter what type a music u sample. hiphop is limitless. n dis jus a sample. i got the power had da same sound

TechNoir87

16y

Chromeo is a good example of a good 80's revival...they're not hiphop though, they're electro with a bit of funk.

Ayinde Young

16y

Thats beast. These peeps r dope

B Smooth

8y↑16

Rest in Peace to my brother J Smooth. 1986-2016

DocSkribblez

7y↑4

Kenny B Smooth He passed? Man, rest in peace and condolences to his family. He and his crew were doing what everyone is catching up to now yo lol.

Fedora McClaren

Wooooow...I had no idea!!! My condolences to you and family...

Landi Smith

RIP

Bro

16y

OMG being FUNKY is back well....i think its much better than what is on the street right now...at least maybe kids ill walk with their backs straight.