Someone Covered ‘Brass Monkey’ on a Vintage Hasbro Keyboard, and It’s Pure Magic

There is a specific kind of internet magic that occurs when an absolute hip-hop classic meets an obscure piece of plastic novelty hardware from decades past. Case in point: a delightfully fun clip featuring the Beastie Boys' timeless party anthem "Brass Monkey" played on a vintage Hasbro toy.

A Hip-Hop Classic Meets Plastic Mechanical Genius

The instrument behind the magic is the Hasbro Big Mouth Singers keyboard, a delightfully odd artifact of retro toy design. Instead of simply generating standard synth tones, this keyboard features a row of colorful mechanical figures along the top. Whenever a key is pressed, the corresponding figure physically pops its head up in rhythm to sing its specific note.

When paired with the bouncy, unmistakable brass sampling of "Brass Monkey," the mechanical heads jump up and down perfectly on the beat. The result is instant, contagious joy that makes you wonder why more rap tracks aren't accompanied by plastic puppet choirs.

Live from Williamson Street

This epic jam session didn't take place in a high-tech recording studio or on a festival stage. The video was captured inside Meep Meepleton's World of Fun, an independent neighborhood shop located on Williamson Street in Madison, Wisconsin.

Specializing in an eclectic mix of vintage collectibles, retro toys, and vinyl records, the shop provided the ideal atmosphere for someone to spot the toy, hit the keys, and let the nostalgia flow.

The Otterly Interesting Part

What makes this clip so deeply satisfying isn't just the retro aesthetic—it's how perfectly the toy's eccentric mechanics align with hip-hop's foundational spirit. Early hip-hop was built on creative improvisation: grabbing whatever gear was lying around, tweaking low-tech equipment, and pulling infectious grooves out of unexpected places. Hearing a heavy rap track translated through little popping plastic heads feels like a hilarious and warm tribute to that original DIY energy.

What's Next for Retro Toy Jam Sessions?

It turns out you don't need a stadium sound system or a wall of expensive synthesizers to create a moment of genuine musical joy. Sometimes all it takes is a neighborhood retro shop, an iconic rap beat, and a row of plastic figures waiting for their cue to sing. What classic track do you think deserves the vintage toy keyboard treatment next?

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