Synopsis

Paula Abdul finds herself paired with MC Skat Kat, a streetwise animated feline whose personality and habits clash with hers. Set against a neon-lit, theatrical backdrop, the two trade playful insults before discovering that their differences create a natural chemistry. Their flirtation unfolds through tightly synchronized dance routines, comic confrontations, and a stylized romance that blends live action with animation. By the finale, Abdul and Skat Kat have turned their disagreement into a polished performance, proving that contrasting personalities can make an unexpectedly effective match.

Factoids & Trivia

• The video was conceived as a modern tribute to Gene Kelly's live-action dance sequence with Jerry Mouse in the 1945 film "Anchors Aweigh."

• MC Skat Kat was designed by Michael Patterson and Candace Reckinger, the animation team associated with a-ha's "Take On Me" video.

• The character's look drew inspiration from the cool, self-assured cats of Hanna-Barbera's "Top Cat."

• Breakdancer Michael Chambers served as the live-action reference for MC Skat Kat. His movements, poses, walks, and reactions were filmed so the animators could match the cat's performance to Abdul's choreography.

• The live-action shoot took two demanding days. Several sequences had to be repeated with Chambers present, with Chambers absent, and with Abdul performing alone to create room for the animated character.

• A sticky layer of Coca-Cola was spread on the floor to help Abdul maintain her footing during the tap-dance section, particularly while dancing in heels.

• The rap heard in the single and video was performed by Derrick "Delite" Stevens. Romany Malco helped write the rap, which later contributed to confusion about who actually supplied MC Skat Kat's voice.

• The video received six nominations at the 1990 MTV Video Music Awards.

• It won the Grammy Award for Best Short Form Music Video in 1991.

• MC Skat Kat later received a short-lived solo showcase with the 1991 album "The Adventures of MC Skat Kat and the Stray Mob."