It may be a little early to call Patrice Wilson the Phil Spector of the Meme Era, but “It’s Thanksgiving,” the gloriously cheesy song and video he produced for his tween client Nicole Westbrook, proves that the genius behind Rebecca Black’s “Friday” is more than just a one-hit wonder. Not everything Wilson touches turns to gold — anyone remember Lexi St. George? — but when he’s inspired, Wilson is incomparable.
Thanksgiving is the perfect holiday for Westbrook and Wilson to celebrate: Thanksgiving is the Sancho Panza to Christmas’s Don Quixote. It’s the most lovable holiday, because it’s so uncomplicated. You just eat. No presents, no pressure. Even family is optional, as Westbrook demonstrates in the video, hosting a kids-only Thanksgiving like Charlie Brown, but with higher production values—and, instead of Snoopy, Wilson himself providing comic relief. Celebrating a holiday that’s recently sparked national soul-searching about race and immigration, “It’s Thanksgiving” features a Nigerian-American dancing in a turkey suit. You probably don’t want to overthink this.
One-upping Black, Westbrook performs her own rap breakdown, throwing hand signs and spitting verses at the dinner table in a manner that’s either too ironic or not ironic enough, depending on how much credit you want to give Westbrook and her parents. Her guests are initially perplexed — having, despite their heavy makeup, apparently not yet realized that they’re in a techno-lite music video — but soon get down with the spirit of thanks, digging into the entrees while Westbrook grabs a drumstick mic and serenades the kitchen.
If your family does the thing where they go around and everyone says what they’re thankful for, my suggestion is that you memorize Westbrook’s rap and bust right out with it when your turn comes to testify. Some of your relatives may be confused, some may even be offended, but the coolest ones will understand exactly what you’re giving thanks for: the Internet, bottomless cornucopia of earthly delights. Can’t be hateful, gotta be grateful!
Words by Jay Gabler, a co-founder and co-editor of The Tangential.
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