Ariel Factor Birdoff is a total badass in the Wizarding (Rap) World. Her latest EP guides not gatekeepers (one of my favorite things ever!) critiques the canon of Harry Potter and library science alike. In wicked bars, Ariel boldly reclaims library spaces – and creativity at large – for the people. For ALL people. 

I can’t say it better than The Wrock Wreview has – yet I want to pile on my appreciation for the ideas Ariel expresses in this EP, especially in the current moment of coordinated censorship attacks across the United States. Their vision of the liberatory library sets me aflame. Such imaginings – and real-life manifestations – are essential to building the future we want!

But another AFB track has remained criminally under-reviewed until now: HufflePride!

The Track

HufflePride was produced by Dandy Decadence and released on the 2016 Wizard Rock Sampler. Dubbed “Hip Hop for Hufflepuffs,” the song is definitely the House anthem Ariel wanted.

She explores facets of being a badger beyond the “Hufflepuff puff pass” trope. We hear the fighting spirit of Hufflepuffs in the face of injustice, the fierce compassion with which they take care of each other, and how social pressures will never get in the way of standing up for their values.

We give no #*$&s, yeah, not one bit!
Cause Hufflepuff don’t give a sh*t.

Since the Sorting Hat places stock in your choice, your House seems to be about what you value more than some innate trait. For example, it isn’t that Ravenclaws are smarter, but simply that learning is important to them.

We’ll take you just the way you are.
We’ve got the best approach by far!

I cannot begrudge Ariel their pride in valuing people first. I feel that Hufflepuffs have truly understood the assignment. When in doubt, FIND and FEED your inner Hufflepuff!

The Video

In the most delightful mix of seriousness and sweetness, the music video for HufflePride (dir. Dandy Decadence) showcases Ariel and crew alternately feeding each other from a magical charcuterie, then marching through the streets of Irvington, kicking ass and taking names!

The direction and editing are just fantastic, flipping through impactful tableaus in various locations to the beat of the song. The visual through-line is the straight shot of the seven cast members head-bobbing in their coordinated costumes. One of the only breaks from this – when Irvin smiles and waves during the Hobbit Hole line – is too adorable! And the use of slow-motion and filters throughout is also hilarious.

The cast is from the NYC Harry Potter meetup group, The Group that Shall Not be Named, and Stace (of Swish and Flick and Dandy Decadence) recalls this about filming day:

What I remember from that day was unity, camaraderie, and friendship that crossed House lines. I have fond memories of making sandwiches, making a splendid mess, and making each other laugh so hard that it hurt.

Truly, it gives the best of wizard rock and Harry Potter fandom – just a friendly, fun, and empowering time. 

Proceeds for HufflePride support the American Civil Liberties Union, so grab a copy of your own!

 

If you also LOVE, drop your favorite AFB bars in the comments!