Civil rights activist General Larry Platt became an internet sensation after the video of his unique “Pants on the Ground” audition song from American Idol went viral. Turns out, however, that Platt’s amusing rap may not be original after all – at least according to a pair of brothers from Detroit.
General Larry Platt made a huge splash when he auditioned on American Idol with a supposedly original rap song about men who let their pants hang far too low. The “Pants on the Ground” audition video rapidly went viral, launching Platt into Internet stardom.
“Pants on the Ground” has spawned dozens of remixes and even inspired Brett Favre to sing a bit of the rap in the locker room after the Minnesota Vikings victory over Dallas. Platt went on to guest on The View, where he performed an extended version of the song, much to the audience’s delight.
According to a pair of brothers from Detroit, however, Platt’s “Pants on the Ground” rap is a bit too close to one of their own original songs, titled – less cleverly – “Back Pockets on the Floor.” Gerald Green, one of The Green Brothers, says they recorded their song back in 1996.
“I’m not saying anybody stole anything, but we’ve been playing that song for years and the intent and idea and the message is the same,” Green told the Detroit Free Press. The Green Brothers, by the way, aren’t interested in suing anyone over the alleged similarities and wish Platt well.
Personally, we think “Pants on the Ground” is the better song and although they do share similarities, we aren’t convinced Platt ripped anyone off with his rap.
>> Previously:Â General Larry Platt Performs Pants on the Ground on The View