A lot has changed since the release of the Kanto PokeRap back in the late ’90s. Not only are fans now out in the real world, catching their favorite Pokemon in the augmented reality ofPokemon GO, but also the 150 pocket monsters featured in the original PokeRap have ballooned to over 800. As such, it certainly seems that the PokeRap was in dire need of an update and luckily, one dedicated individual has taken it upon themselves to deliver the goods.
In an amazing testament to the human spirit, Polygon Video Producer Brian David Gilbert has recently unveiled his “Perfect PokeRap,” a reimagining of the original PokeRap that includes all 812 Pokemon. Gilbert unleashed his opus upon the world during a recent panel at PAX East 2019, and it begins at the 24-minute mark in the video below.
Over the course of nearly nine minutes, this Pokemon fanatic recites the name of every single Pokemon, and he does so with style. The beginning of the “Perfect PokeRap” is what one might expect: a straightforward beat with Gilbert’s impressively technical flow atop it. However, things quickly take a turn, and the performance skews towards show tune, featuring some witty wordplay, before diving headlong into a soulful ballad and ending with a power pop finish.
Gilbert prefaced his performance with a suitable standup routine, highlighting the contract he had made with PAX East, which gave the venue the authority to “neutralize” him if he was unable to fulfill his responsibility of a “verbal pronouncement” of every one of the 812 Pokemon. Fortunately, Gilbert was able to meet his obligations, and thus the “Perfect PokeRap” was born.
Of all the Pokemon featured in Gilbert’s presentation, one truly stands out: Terry the Tangela. Indeed, Gilbert has a storied history with this namedTangela Pokemon, and the grass-type pocket monster gets the privilege of being both the first and last Pokemon mentioned in the “Perfect PokeRap.”
Sadly, the release ofPokemon SwordandShieldlater this year will undoubtedly render the “Perfect PokeRap” obsolete with a number of new Pokemon. However, until then, Gilbert can certainly be proud of his accomplishment.
