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January 29th, 2010
10:27 AM ET
The 'General' and the Grammys
 testing captions Hip hop artists attending the Grammy Awards beware! Word is that “Gen.” Larry Platt is headed to the big event on Sunday and heaven help anyone sporting “Pants on the Ground.” The overnight “Idol” sensation is said to be planning an appearance on the red carpet prior to the show where he will perform his infectious tune. The ode to end the saggy, baggy look sported by some has caught the ear of the nation and led to appearances on radio and television talk shows for Platt. Not to mention the countless covers of his tune. TMZ reports that Platt will not actually make it inside to the awards show, according to his manager “Pinky.”
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First, let me say that I agree with many of the posters listed: anyone who would willingly display any media that condones the taking of a police officer’s life is beyond contempt. That fact alone, regardless of the fact that the gentleman has no musical ability whatsoever, should have disqualified his performance. One would have thought the producers of “Idol” may have caught that in their “screening” process. Further, the entire “American Idol” process is laughable in the extreme. It does not promote individuality or allow the artist to create an identity that is solely their own, but instead furthers an existing status quo of both talent and ability. There is no opportunity to create anything new and exciting, merely a rehash of what has already been done by countless others. As someone involved in the music industry, I know that there are countless songwriters, musicians and bands out there whose talent, drive and vision far surpass anything on the “Idol” stage. And the only reason they are not on American Idol is because they do not fit the necessary stereotypes, either by age, performance genre or “appearance”. Granted, some of those who have been a part of the “Idol” experience do have talent, but how many of them will we still be talking about in 10 years? In 5? How many of them worked their way up the musical ladder, paid their dues in local bars, talent showcases, etc.? How many of them can we honestly say show the risk-taking, cutting-edge individuality of Elvis Presley, Neil Diamond, Sting, Johnny Cash?
And is “American Idol” truly the only party to blame? In the end, it is the consumer who dictates what sells. The consumer determines what is “good enough”, what is “entertaining enough”, what is “beautiful enough”. I submit that if we as entertainment consumers are satisfied only with “what is”, there will be no incentive for any artist, band or songwriter to change things, to alter the landscape, to pay their dues, to improve the state of music as we now know it. Police front man Sting himself puts it quite eloquently in a recent interview with the London Evening Standard. A link to that article can be found on Sting’s official site, in the interviews section.
Gen. Larry Platt is an unsung hero. For years I had the hardest time getting my sons to pull up their pants. They would not listen because it was a fad. Since Mr. Platt's song and the popularity...the pants are up!!!! So I dedicate this old lady version of "PantsOn The Ground" as a tribute to Ge. Larry Platt. Again, thank you.
http://www.youtube.com/user/angelasav1955
I thought it was quite funny. The Producers and editors obviously thought so too, as they relax the rules to let him in close to the panel. The whole show is built on a series of premises that are false (ask anyone that's actually attended one), but it's good and amusing viewing (Not shown here in Australia yet, unless on Pay TV I think). Thank goodness for torrents.
The Pants on the Ground item was something worth seeing, no matter how contrived. The knock offs, rip offs and copies are expected...
The online vitriol seems a little much. Let the old codger have some fun. He won't make money from me, but if someones dumb enough to pay him... like any entertainer really.
Maybe now everyone will see how ridiculous sporting baggy pants are and pull them up. This i a fad that is long overdue for an overhaul. Just like in the 80's with everyone tight rolling their blue jeans, if you remember those days.
Shouldn't knock the guy for wearing a Troy Davis pin, even U.S. Supreme court Judge Rosemary Barkett stated “To execute Davis, in the face of a significant amount of proffered evidence that may establish his actual innocence, is unconscionable and unconstitutional,” and there are organizations and political figures who agree. So wearing the pin is his right. As for his tune, idol should pay him for all the publicity and for airing his performance when he was not a qualifying contestant, and Simon knew this will happen.
Men, do pick up your pants from the ground, we do not want to see you underwear of buttocks parting line.
Yall need to do some more looking into the controversy into the Troy Davis Case...the conservative-led US Supreme Court HAS RULED IN MR DAVIS' FAVOR.
If I was from Georgia, I might would wear the pin too...next to my badge.
Stupid song.
Who cares if people wear baggy pants. As a teenager I wore and had bad hairstyles at points, and I turned out fine.
Debating about fashion statements??? There are far more important things to talk about.
I say have him OPEN the grammys.
In case you need to be a little more informed about the Troy Davis case, you may want to read this brief blurb...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Troy_Davis_case
Oh yeah, and I don't stand behind cop killers, but I also don't stand behind police manipulation. I am also a white, Anglo-Saxon republican female...imagine that? I mean, who would believe I think this guy should be granted a FAIR trial. Maybe the General does, as well. Give him his few minutes of fame. It's refreshing to see a guy having fun at his age, and allowing others to laugh at and with him.
Further evidence that the valueless fad of American Idol is infecting the very core of our culture. How DARE they insult legitimate artists by bringing ridiculous CONTEST PARTICIPANTS into a presentation of the world's finest musicians! It's revolting and just goes to show you the decline of our culture as a whole.
I still wonder about the validity of this "act." American Idol does not allow anyone over the age of 24 (or somewhere around there) to apply and audition for the show. Yet this guy was allowed to go in? Is this a Fox prank that caught on? Is that guy just an actor that Fox put on to get publicity for the show?
Performing the Red Carpet Show PRIOR to the Grammy's folks, read it all. Not during the Grammy's.
Did anyone actually read the article?? He is not performing and wont even be inside, he is going to the red carpet outside the event.... that is not going to the Grammy's.... I could stand outside any arena, doesnt mean I am performing.... Read the article...
This will be the sloga/song of 2010. "Pants on the ground".
I hope these folks listen. I am tired of looking at the crack of their ass.
What harm is there in letting him have his 15 minutes of fame. He put a smile on many people's faces!!!
I hope the young men of today pull up their pants and learn how to wear a belt.
I don't think "Pants on the Ground" is lacking anything musically compared to the other pop music which is represented at the Grammy Awards. Unoriginal, repetitive melody? Check. Unimaginitive rhythm? Check. Complete lack of interesting harmonies? Check. The biggest difference is that the lyrics are both timely and timeless. It doesn't matter if your a "gangsta" or a "plumba", nobody wants to see your skivvies or buttcrack.
Well, I admit, I'm, just a middle aged, overweight white woman, and LOVE this song! I howled when I first heard it, and can't tell you how often it just pops into my head at odd moments in my life...And every time it comes to mind...I smile!
That belt-less, baggy pants attire is such a tired hip-hop fashion. It should have been laid to rest a long, long time ago, buried right next to "Def."
If it gets the message out there that those who wear their pants hanging below where they should sit (above the hips) look stupid, then I say sing it loud and proud baby!!!! The Grammys, the Oscars, on the news, anywhere you can!
I can only hope this song does some good as the baggy below-butt trouser look makes me think Homo sapiens has devolved into a new embarrassing subspecies with undoubtably little crossbreeding. The only benefit to the look is the inability of wearers to flee law enforcement following criminal activity.
Good for the General!!! I would like it as my ringtone. The General
will only Walk the red carpet, not perform.
Whoever was dissing this guy for supporting Troy Davis needs to read a newspaper. Troy Davis deserves a re-trial at the very least, and has backing from people like: The former director of the FBI, Amnesty International, etc.
The US Supreme Court ruled last summer, with only two dissentions (quite remarkable these days that they agree that fully on anything) that the Georgia Courts MUST consider admitting new evidence in his case, and further consider whether previous evidence was tainted or false.
To anyone who reads over the evidence impartially, it sounds like the real killer is the one who implicated Troy Davis. The man deserves a fair trial, and society deserves to know who really shot the off-duty cop.
Good God, the ignorance some people display just astounds me.
It is about time, someone makes FUN about this "fashion" for idiots !
Free Troy Davis!
Please keep in mind that the singer of the "Pants on the ground" song was wearing a "Free Troy Davis" sticker on his shirt. Troy Davis is a convicted COP KILLER from Savannah, Ga and is on death row. Please keep Officer Mark MacPhail, Davis' victim, and his family in your thoughts
Cute addition to the Red Carpet festivities. Fun! I'll be watching.
I like his manager's name, "Pinky". Timberlake should look into him.
His manager, PINKY?
Actually, ol' Larry is a musical messiah. A refreshing change from the current scene. C'mon, I mean who the heck is Lady Gag Gag? Or Acorn? And the Jones Boys? That's what you call music these days?
Go Larry, Go Larry, Go Larry, Go Larry.
Annoying? Repetitive? Juvenile? No one will remember it in 5 years? Should fit right in at the Grammys! The Grammys are a joke. The Oscars and the Emmys go to the best of the best of film and TV, yet the Grammys are about celebrating what's popular. And "popular" is usually a far cry from "good". Black Eyed Peas being nominated for best album is the equivalent of The Tooth Fairy being nominated for best picture.
Aamzing how a song becomes a hit when the subject is "I can't afford a belt".
What's next "tie your shoes ?"
I like the message of the song. and just an FYI for those who may not know, wearing pants on the groud is not new. its been around at least since the mid 1970s in LA, CA, where I'm from. I personally knew gangsters and wanna be gangsters who wore their pants like this not only for shock value, but for 'easy access" as they would say. I didn't like it then or now.
Regarding Troy Davis, many prominent politicians and leaders, including President Jimmy Carter, Pope Benedict XVI, Nobel laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Presidential candidate Bob Barr, and former FBI Director and judge William S. Sessions have called upon the courts to grant Davis a new trial or evidentiary hearing. So its not so cut and dried as far as if he is actually a cop killer.
To all of you saying he shouldn't be at the Grammy's "TMZ reports that Platt will not actually make it inside to the awards show, according to his manager “Pinky.”" Some people just don't read... at least not everything... Though I don't understand why he's even going there if he won't be inside...
I think this is awsome. Just like Sanjia, it's all for fun. Hey if Weird Al Yankovic can make a lifing out of it, why not General Pratt?
I am a high school teacher and kids on our campus are playing the video on their phones all the time. Is it too much to hope that guys with their "Pants on the Ground" will finally see how stupid they look?
I never noticed the significance of the button he was wearing but since someone brought it up.... people don't go around wearing "Free [insert name here]" buttons for no reason so there must be something that caused the Gen. to wear it. Reading the evidence provided at freetroydavis.com seems to suggest that there may be a substantial case of innocence in this matter. So much so that the Supreme Court has ordered the District Court to hear the evidence in the Habeas Corpus (plea of innocence) petition on Davis's behalf. In thier ruling they stated as fact, "Since Mr. Davis’ trial, evidence has surfaced that shows not only that Troy Davis is innocent, but that Sylvester “Redd” Coles murdered Officer MacPhail. Seven of the
State’s key witnesses against Mr. Davis have recanted their testimony." Since the evidence support Mr. Davis's claim of innocence is so compelling, shouldn't a court hear his arguements? What if it was you, innocent, trapped in jail? So, before a "ruling" against the Gen.'s button statement is commenced you should do some research.
Please stop posting the redundant information on Troy Davis. We get it. Go General Platt!!!!!!!!!
This seems like a good thing at first.... However, he lost my support when it was discovered that the pin on his shirt is in support of freeing a cop killer. A cop killer that not only confessed, but has expressed joy in his actions.
Jimmy Carter, Bob Barr and the Pope all support Troy Davis, too. I guess they don't belong at the Grammys either.
And the truth shall set you free. This gentleman should get a medal. Who wants to see the color of your skivys? If you actually worked at a real job, your pants wouldn't stay up or halfway up, as the case may be. Maybe this will help shame these "fools" into becoming productive members of society. If thats possible.
Baggy pants are cool. It makes it easier for the cops to catch the morons when they try to run, because they can't run without tripping over their own damn pants.
If anyone knows the Troy Davis story there is a huge support for his case to be reviewed again due to witnesses recanting their testimony. Troy Davis has support of major politicians and Atlantans. read the facts.
The general was also a major advocator for civil rights in GA and I think he deserves his 15 minutes.
you go GENERAL.
make it happen
Don't Worry, Be Happy
The girls can end the pants on the ground. DON'T go out or be seen with an idiot with his underwear showing.
This is by far the WORST fad ever. It is high time it dies and I hope it is never resurrected. Kudos go to this man for bringing this travesty to our nation's attention.
Regarding Troy Davis, what does that have to do with anything? Do you also research the political opinions of the casts of every movie you watch to make sure you can watch it without having an apoplexy? Get a sense of humor please...or PULL UP YOUR PANTS!!!
I don't care about the Troy Davis controversy; I appreciated the General for his silliness & his song is on point....I hate the saggy pants look!
the General is a Civil Rights activist and the Troy Davis case is current... After the trial and first set of appeals, seven of the nine prosecution eyewitnesses who had linked Davis to the killing recanted or contradicted their original trial testimony, claiming police coercion and questionable interrogation tactics. The former coach has insisted his innocence from the beginning. If he is a cop killer, that's one thing – but if he a wrongly convicted innocent man sentenced to death, that's another. The General supports getting it right before another life is taken.
Another one hit wonder. Who cares ? Hopefully he'll fade as fast as he got here.
Are you kidding me?! Considering some of the crap that wins Grammys, I don't have a problem with Pants On The Ground getting an award. And it's about time that someone in the black community stands up and tells the thugs who wear their pants on the ground that they look ridiculous.
He is not a cop killer SUPPORTER....he believes an innocent man was wrongly convicted.....there's a difference.
Why not have the singer of pants on the ground sing on the big stage...are they afraid that he would embarass the brown noses.......
If you want to blast him just for supporting Troy Davis, do some research first. That case is very controversial, as witnesses have since recanted their testimony and claimed police coercion. The Supreme Court stayed Davis' execution and ordered another look at this case. Seems the General is standing up for someone's rights, standing for something he believes in and I can't fault him for that.
I had never heard of Troy Davis until I read this, and so I looked him up, and even the Pope thinks he should get a re-trial. So maybe we should boycott Jesus too.
I think Pants on the Ground is cute and fun. And for those of you who do not know the full facts, Troy Davis may very well have NOT been the killer, all the new evidence points elsewhere.
Think it's pretty cool that some unknown can reach so many, BUT, if the comments about the pin supporting the cop killer is true, throw the loser out on his "pants"....
If you read about Troy Davis, there is controversy about his guilt/innocence. He may be considered a convicted cop killer, but there are times when innocent people are wrongly convicted, and that is what the issue is here–many people believe Davis may be innocent. Platt has been a civil rights activist since the times of MLK, and that is why he is wearing the button.
LOVE IT,
GO LARRY, ya gotta do what ya gotta do,
Dollars on the ground,
Dollars on the ground,
you got to pick em up cause theres dollars on the ground....
At least its legal and entertaining....
I just love it. He is so cute and hilarious!!
Yes I like him and its true some do look like a fool.........................................................lol with the pants on the ground
Those who a commenting about the Troy Davis truly need to inform yourselves on the case. Virtually every witness has recanted their statements and are stating his friend Cole was the shooter. Testimony is so diluted – that every citizen should be stating "Free Troy Davis". If there is a doubt that he is truly innocent then he should not be put to death. You do know he's on death row – right?
It looks like a number of people have questioned whether Troy Davis may have been the victim of misidentification, including former president Carter, Amensty International, a former director of the FBI, the European Parliament and the Pope.
So the fact Larry Platt is one of them doesn't mean that he "supports cop killers," as some of you are claiming, any more than it means the Pope "supports cop killers." It simply means he is concerned that the wrong person was convicted.
His song is a STRONG message from his generation to the young generation. It's NOT about baggy pants. It's about self-respect. Do you think the young people will understand that? I doubt it.......
Maybe so of the folks who wear their pants so low will begin to understand how ridiculous it looks. I for one don't want to see another man's underwear out in public. Pull your pants up and show some respect to the rest of us in the world because you are "lookin like a fool with your pants on the ground"
I love it! Most everyone does. It's different, quirky – but most of all just fun.
On the Grammy's ?? YES !!
I am totally going to put this song as my ringtone. When I saw it for the first time by the General, I lost it! I can't get the song out of my head!
I think General Platt is just wonderful. I hear so many bad stories until it is refreshing to laugh and feel good. I hope the message of this song resonates with young men who wear their "pants on the ground," Mr. Platt deserves to go the Grammys and should be seated inside.
PLease, NO. It was funny and entertaining at first, but it will start to be that same joke your silly uncle just has to tell ever over and over at every family gathering.
It is about time someone brought this out in the open......wearing your pants on the ground labels you as and uneducated, self absorbed, foolish thug!!!! Do you thing your gonna get a job wearing that crap........oh....you don't want a job.....I see!!
For the comment poster on Troy Davis...Get some info before your post – The General isn't the only one who supports Davis: Amnesty International has strongly condemned the refusal of U.S. courts to examine the innocence evidence, and has organized rallies and letter-writing campaigns to persuade the Georgia and Federal courts to grant Davis a new trial or an evidentiary hearing.[2] Many prominent politicians and leaders, including President Jimmy Carter,[6] Pope Benedict XVI,[7] Nobel laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu,[7] Presidential candidate Bob Barr,[7] and former FBI Director and judge William S. Sessions[8] have called upon the courts to grant Davis a new trial or evidentiary hearing
@JoeV – What are you, Cole's lawyer or something? The police and courts completely screwed up the Davis' trial and even the Supreme Courts ruled that Davis has a right to present new evidence. It's a shame the off-duty cop got caught up in that mess regardless, but a disgrace that the trial and conviction was handled so badly.
and to stay on topic, The General has more musical talent than most artists on the top pop 40. Don't judge him by one song..and stop judging Troy Davis without knowing the facts.
GO LARRY!!! My heart swells with pride knowing that this gentleman will have his "time to shine." He is my father incarnate...only black. I smile every time I hear "Pants on the Ground."
Before having a knee-jerk reaction to the Troy Davis sticker, do some research. The Troy Davis story is not cut-and-dried. Amnesty International and the former director of the FBI, among others, have called for either a new trial or clemency for Troy Davis for numerous reasons.
The Grammy's will probably white-wash the song so much it'll sound like Lawrence Welk and Bing Crosby doing a cover of it.
People, people, READ ALL THE ARTICLE!! He's not going to be inside for the show, only on the red carpet. Geez....
Also, for those of you who are so pious and oblivious to the facts about the Troy Davis case, Google it and actually read the facts. There are more than several reputable articles about it. The Supreme Court (such as it is) actually intervened and forced the lower courts to hear new evidence showing he's innocent. Seven of the nine prosecution eyewitnesses who had linked Davis to the killing recanted or contradicted their original trial testimony. The eyewitness who implicated him was initially a suspect and actually boasted about killing an off duty police officer. It goes on and on....
SHE BANGS! William Hung
Pants on the Ground! General
Let the Eagle Soar! John Ashcroft
ACT NOW and get "I put this on mute vol. 1" CD!!!!!
Neither cop killers nor their supporters belong at the Grammys.
This is not his original song. It was shown on TMZ the other night that this is a rip off of another song which is almost identical from the 1990's. That song said something about pockets on the ground and Larry changed it to pants on the ground. You can check it out on TMZ.
Now that I am reading he is cop killer supporter I don't think he should be given the air time he is getting!
I think that the General should give OBAMA permission to use the pants on the ground during his next speech. Maybe it will reach those thugs out there who are excited because there is a black president, realize that no one wants to see people walking around with their freaking pants on the ground. There should be a $100.00 fine for anyone doing this. Its not a fad its gangsta mad!!!!
Can we please separate the Troy Davis controversy from the song? The tune is silly and fun. Platt's political statements shouldn't detract from that.
I wish him success in something.. but singing isn't it. Agree that Jimmy Fallon rendition was much better.
Frankly, I don't like this song and the message he had about Troy Davis. With that said, who am I to begrudge this man his (hopefully) 15 minutes of fame?
Let's hope no album is forthcoming. Susan Boyle he is not.
"...but the Grammys?" ____________
"...catchy tune but 'Grammys' is a bit overkill..."___________________
According to the article, it won't be part of the stage show, just an appearance on the red carpet PRIOR to the show. Besides Jimmy Fallon has legitimized it with his spot-on Neil Young impression.
Good for him!
I saw him on Idol that night, halarious, but definately true! I hope he copyright it and get paid! lol.....
This has got to be a joke...right? Surely this person will not perform at the Grammys!! The Pants on the Ground song is so......stupid...just like American Idol is becoming...STUPID!!!!
At the Grammy's?????? Now, come on.....
What a joke. You call that a song.
I like Jimmy Fallan's Neil Young take on the song better than the original. Check it out at
/late-night-with-jimmy-fallon-neil-young-pants-on-the-ground. Jimmy should appear at the Grammy's and sing this version with Neil Young. Now that would be cool!
This guy cannot go away fast enough.
General Platt and his catchy tune, Pants on the Ground is creative and infectious. Gen. Platt's attitude on American Idol was also infectious. Although Gen. Platt was way over the age limit for American Idol, myself along with 100's of thousands of other viewers would love to see him perform this tune at the awards.
Kudos to Gen. Platt and his natural chutzpah! Go General!
It deserves to be at the Grammy's until people learn how to properly wear their pants.
It's memorable, catchy, original and sends a clear message delivered in a delightful manner! Go General Grammy! Loved the online articie posted about Gen. Platt being a real American Idol. His personal contributions to the community make him a wonderful role model for all generations who watch the award show this year.
Yes, by all means let him go and perform. Someone has to pound the messahe into the heads of youth that think this look/style means anything other than "I'm a stupid uneducated fool." From what I see driving the streets of Atlanta, the only thing the style provides is an easy means of "staying in touch" with one's self. Go grope yourself at home, it's not for public display fool.
aww so sweet. the poor guy must have worked all his life on this tune. even Simon liked him
good luck to him and hope that he makes enough to be comfortable for the rest of his life.
I agree with the songs words, catchy tune but 'Grammys' is a bit overkill.
I'm all for it. I might actually watch a few minutes of the grammy's for once.
What a piece of crap. Have we as a community sunk so low?
This "song" – and I use the word loosely – is not melodic, nor interesting, nor worthy of any accolades. I think we've hit a new low as a nation.
This is a fake viral video invented by Fox to make money. It's not funny or original. The big corporations have figured out there is big money to be made in the meme market.
As we can tell see this is an opportunity of a life time for him. I say let him get while the getting is good. Everyone deserves their moment to shine. Let the General have his moment and reap whatever benefits this song brings him. I wish him all the best.
This guy should be mandatory at all awards shows and events until the scourge of these baggy panted mental midgets is wiped off the planet earth.
Mr. Platt is wearing a SUPPORT TROY DAVIS sticker in the American Idol video. Troy Davis is a convicted cop killer. I hate both the stupid song and Larry PLatt.
I hope it becomes a sensation and the kids start to listen to the song and "Pick the pants off the ground".
If you like "Pants on the ground" look closer at his video, he is wearing a pin that says "Free Troy Davis." For all of you who do not know, Troy Davis is a convicted cop killer who killed an officer in Georgia. Now, do you really think that this guy is funny? Sorry, I dont.
Good for him!! Considering some of the utter crap I've heard at the Grammy's I think it's nice.
LBW- its cute, catchy, and repetitive...much like most of the music that comes out these days.
Hey, its true! The man just found a catchy way to tell the world:) You don't have to be famous and rich to be honored for your art and skill.
Great message, and glad he gets to benefit from his 15minutes of fame on the biggest night for music.
Go General!!
I think it's great – we need more humor in this world!
Yeah, the Grammys are no place for music!
It's a cute, catchy, repetitive song, but the Grammys?