7 Memorable Freestyle Unity Performances From ‘The Parkers’
As hip-hop began to become part of pop culture during the '90s, an array of sitcoms popped up that paid homage to rap—many of them featuring fictional rap acts and storylines based on real-life events as part of their plots.
One of the shows from that era which displayed its affinity for hip-hop was the UPN comedy The Parkers, starring Mo'Nique (Nikki Parker) and Countess Vaughn (Kim Parker). A spin-off of Moesha, on which Vaughn was a longtime cast member, The Parkers followed the lives of a mother-and-daughter tandem, both of whom attended Santa Monica College and engaged in a variety of activities and shenanigans that usually ended in disastrous fashion.
However, aside from the antics, one of the more memorable aspects of The Parkers was the impromptu performances by Freestyle Unity, a fictional group comprised of Kim and herSanta Monica College friends Stevie (Jenna von Oÿ) and "T" (Ken Lawson).
The group picks up where Kim left off on Moesha, where she was part of a group called CPQ—which included rappers "Q" (Fredro Starr) and Hakeem (Lamont Bentley), as well as singer "Niecy" (Shar Jackson)—and finds the trio attempting to find fame and fortune as a musical group. Blending rap and R&B, Freestyle Unity were a big hit on the Santa Monica College campus and made numerous appearances throughout the show's six seasons, most of which were met with favorable reviews on the part of fans and talent scouts.
Although Freestyle Unity would never release a major recording, the group is remembered as one of the most talented fictional acts to rock the mic on primetime TV.
The Boombox takes a look back at a few of Freestyle Unity's best performances on The Parkers.
- 1
"You're All I Need in My Life"
"The day's finally come where I can be a man/Tell you how I feel, keep it real, you understand," T raps on "You're All I Need in My Life," an open letter to his father, during a performance at Andells. With Kim and Stevie supporting him on backing vocals, T takes center stage as he reconciles with his father, resulting in one of the more heart-warming performances from Freestyle Unity.
- 2
"Pretty Young Thing"
Freestyle Unity brings the house down with a performance of "Pretty Young Thing" at Spring Bling 2000 on and episode from the first season of The Parkers. Kim Parker gets the crowd worked up into a frenzy before T bursts on stage with an explosive verse of his own, as Freestyle Unity hits the crowd with another one of their signature hits.
- 3
"How Hard"
"Saw you with you friends, I wondered if you'd speak," Kim Parker croons on "How Hard" during a live performance in front of talent scouts, who have come to pick between Kim and her Latin rival. Rhyming "I burn rubber, more lethal than Danny Glover," T also comes correct on this outing, turning in one of his more impressive verses to date and moves the crowd with his energy and charismatic swagger.
- 4
"Momma Killed Him"
Freestyle Unity came together during a hard time to memorialize a close friend with their song "Momma Killed Him," which was inspired by Nicki Parker, who was alleged to have killed Kim's favorite clown from her childhood. Although their performance gets cut short, there's no question that "Momma Killed Him" is a serious bop and a worthy addition to Freestyle Unity's list of hits.
- 5
"Picture Me Just Falling"
"Is it true love, cause baby I can't tell/You got me stacking my mail, still waiting to exhale," T raps on "Picture Me Just Falling" during a performance on the "Love Potion #83" episode. Ending the performance by giving a kiss to her boo, Kim leads on vocals, while Stevie juggles handling backing vocals and being enamored with her own vanity.
- 6
"Put Your Hands High"
Nicki Parker joins Freestyle Unity on stage for an impromptu performance, but gets interrupted before getting into the groove of her set, resulting in T being let back in the group after entertaining an offer to joint Lil Zane's camp. However, Nicki P manages to get off a few quality bars, proof of her ability to step in for a timely cameo when need be.
- 7
"T vs Stevie vs Kim"
Competition almost caused Freestyle Unity to implode after the three auditioned for a national talent show without telling each other. While each group member performs admirably, none of them are selected as the winner and the trio decide to let bygones be bygones and put their solo aspirations behind them.
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