Dad's Epic Story-Time Rap to Eminem's 'Lose Yourself' Hailed by Parents

Any parent knows that having a newborn means sleepless nights, dealing with diapers and perhaps most painfully, reading, singing and watching the same books, songs and cartoons over and over again.

But one dad managed to inject a bit of personality into a children's story, about a llama, after he decided to rap the words to the tune of Eminem's hit Lose Yourself.

Nathanael Press has earned himself legions of fans online with his edgy rendition of Llama Llama Red Pajama, by Anna Dewdney.

Press, whose Instagram account indicates he welcomed baby Crew Solomon earlier this year, posted the rap to his TikTok account, @nathanaelpress, last week.

In the background the instrumental track for Eminem's 2002 hit can be heard, omitting the expletive-ridden lyrics.

It shows Press reading the children's book to Solomon, as he lies on a baby mat, presumably enjoying his dad's musical talent.

Press simply captioned the clip, seen more than 11 million times, with the hashtags #baby #dadlife #momlife. The video can be viewed here.

Numerous people, including a host of parents, hailed Press' version, as Lauren said, referencing the lyrics: "The baby is clearly nervous. But on the surface he is calm and ready."

Nikki Hansen525 asked: "So when will this be dropping on Spotify?"

Lokigator joked: "Eminem been real quiet since Llama Llama red Pyjama."

Tatuka D said: "Going to rap today to my kiddo."

While Jordan Abergel commented: "This is the llama llama that I need!!"

And HelloItsMe added: "This is iconic."

The book was published in 2005, and is described as an "infectious rhyming read-aloud" story. Dewdney, who passed away in 2016, wrote numerous volumes in the llama llama series.

It's not the first time the book has been rapped, after Ludacris also put his own spin on the kids' classic.

During a radio slot with Power 106 F.M., the musician freestyled the book back in 2017, with a YouTube clip of his version seen nearly 7 million times.

Lose Yourself is among Eminem's most famous recordings, and picked up the Academy Award for Best Original Song after it appeared on the 8 Mile soundtrack.

The rapper performed a medley of his hits, including Lose Yourself, at the 2022 Super Bowl half-time show, which saw the Los Angeles Rams storm to victory against the Cincinnati Bengals.

The all-star lineup, widely touted as a masterclass in millennial nostalgia, also featured Snoop Dogg, 50 Cent, Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar and Dr. Dre.

Newsweek reached out to Press for comment.

Eminem and Anna Dewdney book.
Rapper Eminem and book cover of Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney. A dad has gone viral for rapping the book to a hit song. Anna Dewdney/Getty / Kevin.Mazur

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Rebecca Flood is Newsweek's Audience Editor (Trends) and joined in 2021 as a senior reporter.

Rebecca specializes in lifestyle and viral ... Read more

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