A Halifax senior is giving new meaning to kickin’ it old school.
Sharon Murphy, 71, is dropping over seven decades of knowledge on her fellow residents at the Northwood Independent Living facility.
"Did you just call me an old lady? Well I'm here to say, I'm cute, smart and feisty and I'm on my way. So keep your negative stereotypes at bay, ‘cause I don't want them in my life anyway," Murphy raps.
The feisty four-foot-five rapper writes about issues like basic income and affordable housing. She's undergone two heart surgeries, but says she raps to bring attention to a wide range of issues.
"I just want to say that I'm here and I'm vital, and I have something to offer,” Sharon says. “So don't ignore me. You can learn from me.”
Northwood president and CEO Janet Simm says Sharon brings the community to life.
“She's added so, so much to our community,” Simm says. “Her positivity, her energy, everything she's overcome in her life in such a positive way and she's always up for a new challenge."
Sharon’s unique sense of style draws upon classic hip hop apparel staples, she explained.
“When I see people rapping on TV they have a hat pushed to the side and usually a gold chain,” she says. “And sunglasses. They are an essential part of the rapping outfit."
But Sharon doesn’t just talk the talk. She’s spitting lyrics as if she's been recording them for decades.
"I'm dressed for success, busy as a bee. So don't even try to keep up with me. Let's put our hands together, ‘cause we want to make some noise," Sharon raps. "We're a forced to be reckoned with and by the by, don't mess with us or you'll be in for a surprise."
She also says she’s single and ready to mingle.
"Oh yes, I'm available,” Sharon says with a laugh. “If anyone is interested, (I’m looking for) someone who's intelligent."
As Sharon continues to raise awareness for a serious matter, she doesn't mind sharing some of her rapping tips for anyone who wants to freestyle with her.
"Put your arms up and wiggle your hips. You'll be okay," she says.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Suzette Belliveau.