“It’s So Cold In The D” is a low budget music video that became an unexpected Internet sensation, featuring Detroit-based artist LaTonya Myles, professionally known as T-Baby. The video’s remarkable journey from a personal tribute to a widespread meme highlights the unpredictable nature of Internet culture.
The Tragic Inspiration
The song originated as a heartfelt memorial to Mason Graham, a close friend of T-Baby who was tragically killed at a Coney Island restaurant in Detroit in 2006. What began as a sincere attempt to process grief and commemorate a lost friend would unexpectedly transform into a viral phenomenon thanks to a low budget music video.
The Video’s Unique Aesthetic
Recorded with what appears to be a low-quality camera and featuring an unconventional performance style, the music video quickly captured internet users’ attention. The video’s raw, unpolished quality—characterized by off-beat dancing, seemingly improvised choreography, and a distinctive vocal delivery – sets it apart from professionally produced music videos.
Going Viral
By the late 2000s and early 2010s, the video had spread widely across social media platforms and video-sharing websites. Internet users were drawn to its earnest yet unintentionally comedic presentation, sharing and remixing the video extensively. The phrase “It’s so cold in the D” became a popular internet meme, often referenced and parodied online.
Despite the video becoming an internet joke, T-Baby maintained that the song was a serious tribute to her deceased friend. In subsequent interviews, she expressed both surprise and some frustration with the video’s viral status.
Somehow, it represents a fascinating example of how Internet culture can transform personal artistic expressions. A sincere memorial quickly turned into a widely shared piece of viral content.
Today, you can follow the urban artist on Instagram.
