The best viral online videos are the ones that were never intended for stardom. When Charles McDaniel posted a video of him rhyming with a heart monitor as his “beat box” while his wife was in labor they never thought that it would turn in to an internet sensation. As an active duty military family (Air Force) stationed in Italy with 5 children; Charles and his wife of 10 years Laquita are a clear example of a “family the laughs together stays together.”
Names: Charles and Laquita McDaniel
Ages: Zykia 11, Samuel 9, Naomi 7, Kierra 6, and Kingston 3mos.
How we met:
We met in Houston, TX. It was summer in 1999 I was finishing my route (I read electric meters) walking down the street, and she was getting off the city bus coming from Medical school. As I was pondering my life, because I was getting old (I was 21 at the time) I was wondering when I was going to meet the “one.” I looked up and thought, “It could be her (LaQuita),” you never know, or, “It coulda been the girl I saw the day before.” So I decided to put the smack down and say something to this random girl who was getting off the bus. She was cute so why not. Well, I managed to get them digits. We just didn’t start dating until a year later though.
Being stationed overseas is a unique experience; what is it like with 5 children and how has it shaped your marriage?
It definitely made it stronger but quite challenging when you have to pick up and move at a moment’s notice. Trying to keep the kids happy is tough at times. But you have to take it day by day.
[To Charles]You posted this hilarious video of you free-styling using the heart monitor as your beat; did you ever imagine almost a half-million views and several remixes later that it would spread so far?:
Nope! Sure didn’t. It was totally random.
[Charles] Are the record companies calling you up now? I heard Lil Wayne is signing just about everybody now:
Ha ha. No record companies are calling. If they are they must have the wrong number. I’ve had some radio and news attention though. I did hear that women were calling into radio stations requesting it as they go into labor. I thought that was cool.
[Laquita] Your facial expression is the video is priceless. He even referenced in his rhyme that you were just typing away on Facebook. You seemed so unfazed by Charles’ rapping abilities; is he always busting out rhymes?:
Yes he is. All the time! Not a day goes by when he’s not bursting into the house singing or rapping something silly.
Our very own Lamar and Ronnie Tyler recently released their newest film Still Standing. Finish this sentence, Our marriage is still standing despite…:
…what negative friends say, the punches that life throws at us, and the military lifestyle. The divorce rate is rising as far as we can see.
What advice would you give to other married couples?:
Stop living single while you’re married. Continue to date each other. Serve, compromise and commit to each other not just yourself all the time.
[To Charles] So I thought up a rap name for you it’s MC Hee Hoo, do you think that it’ll catch on?:
Haha. You know what, it has potential. MC Breathe Right the Life Coach! LOL. I’m not a rapper I just like making joyful noises! LOL. You know I did make an official song to it I just gotta find the right beat. I’m keeping the heart monitor though!
