From Homerpalooza to “Happy Birthday, Lisa” to “Stop the Planet of the Apes, I Want to Get Off!” to many, many, more (plus even more I’m sure I’ll be criticized for not including), The Simpsons has always had a deep connection to the world of music. I mean, there is an entire vaporwave spin-off internet subculture dedicated to the show for Sideshow Mel’s sake! That’s why it should come as no surprise that this long-running cornerstone of American television is set to feature a hip-hop-themed episode in its upcoming 28th season.
Centered around the relationship between Mr. Burns and hip-hop mogul Jay G, “The Great Phatsby” (oh yeah, it’s a take on “The Great Gatsby” too) will be the series’ first hour-long episode and will feature guest voices from Taraji P. Henson and Keegan-Michael Key. Henson will voice Praline, a version of Cookie, the character she plays on Empire, while Key will provide the voice for a rapper named Jazzy James. Jim Beanz, who produces music for Empire, has also been brought in to create some original songs for the episode. No word on who is voicing Jay G, but I’m saying my blessings for either DOOM or Biz Markie.
“The Great Phatsby” is slated to air this January, as a part of the 28th season of The Simpsons. Make sure you keep an eye out for breakout star “a goose” when it does; according to executive producer Matt Selman, “There’s a hilarious goose in it. The goose is really funny.”
My only hope is that this episode just manages to be less absurd than an episode of Empire.
