John Early - Rock the Boat (Aaliyah Cover) [Official Music Video]

Official music video for John Early and The Lemon Squares' cover of "Rock the Boat" by Aaliyah from his upcoming album 'Now More Than Ever,' a musical expansion of his HBO comedy special of the same name, out September 13th.
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Starring:
John Early
Mike Recine
Princess Fortier
Dominique Toney
Drew Hart
Will Lawrence
Michael Hesslein
Yazan Fahmawi
Emily Allan
Leah Hennessey
Kim Maphis Early
Robert Early
Steven Smartt
Directors: Emily Allan & Leah Hennessey
Writer: John Early
Producers: Harris Mayersohn, Meryl Faye Crock
Choreographer: Sam Pinkleton
Cinematographer: Max Lakner
Editor: Leah Hennessey
Production Designer: Gordon Landenberger
Wardrobe, Hair, and Makeup: Ruby McCollister
Camera Operator: Owen Smith-Clark
Assistant Camera: Allison Cavanaugh
Gaffer: Jonas Hayes
Assistant Editor: JT Tsuchiya
Production Assistants: JT Tsuchiya, Phoebe Ayres
Colorist: Samuel Gursky
Re-Record Mixer: Matt Giordano
Transportation: Robert Douthat
Special Thanks: Kimme Aaberg, Izzy Heller, Magdalena Galen, Miles Brenninkmeijer
A Dogma 3000 Production
Filmed on Location at The Joyce Theater Foundation’s New York Center for Creativity and Dance
Lyrics:
Boy, you know you make me float
Boy, you really get me high
I feel like I'm on dope
'Cause you, you serve me on a regular
Boy, we need to tie this rope
Before we drift any deeper
Baby, now hold me close
Let's take this overboard now
I want you to rock the boat
Rock the boat, rock the boat, rock the boat
Work the middle
Work the middle, work the middle, work the middle
Change positions on me
New positions, new position
Stroke it for me
Stroke it for me, stroke it for me, stroke it for me
Ooh, baby, I love your stroke
'Cause you, 'cause you get me where I'm going
And truly you'll get my vote
'Cause I believe
I believe you know just what you're doing now
Baby, now we can coast
Let's don't get in a hurry
That's too slow
Go ahead and put that thing in overdrive
Rock the boat
Rock the boat, rock the boat, rock the boat
Work the middle
Work the middle, work the middle, work the middle
Change positions on me
New position, new position
Stroke it for me
Stroke it for me, stroke it for me, stroke it for me
Rock the boat
Rock the boat, rock the boat, rock the boat
Work the middle
Work the middle, work the middle, work the middle
Change positions on me
New position, new position
Stroke it for me
Stroke it for me, stroke it for me, stroke it for me
Stroke it for me, stroke it for me
Stroke it, baby, stroke it, baby
Stroke it for me, stroke it for me,
Work it it, baby, work it, baby
Ooh, stroke it
Stroke it for me, stroke it for me
I want you to use yourself
Like you never ever used it before
To explore my body (explore it baby)
Until you reach the shore
I'll be calling, calling for more
Rock the boat
Rock the boat, rock the boat, rock the boat
Work the middle
Work the middle, work the middle, work the middle
Change positions on me
New position, new position
Stroke it for me
Stroke it for me, stroke it for me, stroke it for me
Rock the boat
Rock the boat, rock the boat, rock the boat
Work the middle
Work the middle, work the middle, work the middle
Change positions on me
New position, new position
Stroke it for me
Stroke it for me, stroke it for me, stroke it for me
Rock the boat
Rock the boat, rock the boat, rock the boat
Work the middle
Work the middle, work the middle, work the middle
Change positions on me
New position, new position
Stroke it for me
Stroke it for me, stroke it for me, stroke it for me
Rock the boat, rock the boat
Rock the boat, rock the boat
Rock the boat, rock the boat
Rock the boat, rock the boat
Rock the boat, rock the boat
Rock the boat, rock the boat
Rock the boat, rock the boat
Rock the boat, rock the boat
Rock the boat, rock the boat
#johnearly #rocktheboat #nowmorethanever

[@johnhaxby306]

the guy in the beginning yelling"hey Blondy what dat bussy do" and John acting like it was a cute thing to say ..LOL

[@Mark-jr6ld]

Mike was just asking a question and I think he deserves an answer in a long form video essay.

[@jtarantula3390]

I cackled 😂

[@angelawashington5815]

😂😂😂

[@pharrella_de_Vil]

Catcallers of the future will start saying this

[@izikavazo]

I think this just shows your disconnect with gay culture. That was a REALLY cute thing to say. /s

[@Someoneshistory]

In the best way possible... "Wtf did i just watch?!?"😮😂

[@IWeasel]

A dirtier remake of A’aliyah’s rock the boat lmfao I’m shocked surprised speechless and in disbelief of just how good it was lmfao dare I hit play again

[@mekuezragan1710]

Honestly I would like to Refund my time please🙃

[@peace4102]

Right

[@ayetam_aye]

Ok, so it’s not just me😂😂😂😂

[@HBPhotoVideo]

Not only is this cover absolutely incredible, the storytelling in this music video is incredible and deserves recognition

[@EISHANELI]

🔥🔥🔥

[@dncr2b88]

How the hello is he gonna turn Aaliyah's classic into an effing yacht rock song!! How dare I like it

[@themaggattack]

I mean tbf, she WAS rockin the boat on a yacht. 🤷‍♀️

[@roycecovington2154]

Now wait a damn minute!

[@lanecaromane]

Nah seriouslyy

[@shavonnestacia2865]

.... That's exactly what I said when I saw this....

[@artgroupie]

The parents exit omg 🤣🤣😭😭😭😭 then going straight into the dance number.

[@teryckcoles]

Being honest, I wasn’t sure I’d continue watching until I heard the backup singers, then I heard the horns and I stayed. I like how John’s voice had more depth/fullness as the song continued. Best to all involved, especially the guy who shouted out John’s bussy (😉).

[@Noirmariposa]

I was wondering why I clicked to watch , reminded the bussy part to make sure I heard right . Enjoyed it overall

[@melvawilliams7355]

John being Brilliant Again. I love me some John Early!

[@brimonet7453]

Our vanilla queen serving us a nasty lil treat 🔥

[@minkcoat6561]

🥰 Cute way to put it!

[@tommy2159]

I've listened to this track at least 10 times since I found it yesterday. And I wasn't even looking for it. I was searching for the disco song 'Rock The Boat' for reasons I don't feel I need to explain. And I was surprised to discover that a comedian I really liked had released a similarly titled song. And now I love this fucking song. And now, for the first time in my life, I'm listening to other Aaliyah songs. And now I really like Aaliyah. And, let me tell you, It's been quite a ride.

[@catha.j.stuart2200]

What an adventure!

[@Vivaciousboi2]

Happy you found your way to the amazing Aaliyah… enjoy. ❤

[@giggles7179]

That's the best anyone doing a cover originally by a long-gone artist can hope for.

[@sbss924]

This song is so friggin sensual without being over the top. They did this song extremely well- they did not disappoint. I loved it. RIP Aaliyah

[@minkcoat6561]

How sweet 🥰

[@ashshwe9076]

The way he’s in love with every member of the band 😂❤

[@SeaBassTian]

OMG his parent's exit at the end, I'm dead!

[@JohnnieWatkins-dk4pc]

Honestly, I was a little annoyed when I saw the headline mentioning that he did a rendition of one of my all time favorite Aaliyah songs and I was not going to even bother listening...however, I decided to give in and I have to admit that I was blown away by it being so dope...OMG!!!!..this is FIRE!!!!

[@MissRedWine]

Looking like Joey from full house 😂 💀

[@hersheylibra5066]

😂😂😂 I can't unsee it!!

[@dabsallday9938]

Uncle Joey 😂😂

[@chewson]

It’s wild how well this operates as so fucking funny and so so fly at the same damn time.

[@TheLordOfCatan]

If John hasn't slept with everyone on the band yet, he has no business singing this song 😂

[@IWeasel]

He probably did that bussy was swollen and his bow is gonna make it unrecognizable after this lol

[@voodooladyink6869]

... he slept with everyone on set. Some at the same time. (The AARP crowd gets down.)

[@Bleugoddys45]

I quit the internet. I came for the comments and y'all asses annihilated me like I never thought I could be annihilated....I quit!!

[@minkcoat6561]

Maybe he has multiple bands? How do we know?

[@TheLordOfCatan]

@@Bleugoddys45 I think John would want you to participate with us wild peeps 😂

[@christianfrandsen1082]

Lmao obsessed with this bob fosse choreo. So good

[@obiephillips9174]

Michael Bennett not Bob Fosse.

[@thetechtam]

Just when you thought it was the pianist he was alluding to, he’s off on the moto to give the drummer some. Baby girl in the credits🕊

[@NotHeresrsly]

These American Apparel ads are getting ridiculous

[@gabriellevickers4247]

“we need to be discreet” [shows up in a denim pork pie hat]

[@TheMyRimbaud]

This has no right to be as good as it is.

[@achnix3167]

Why? These peoples seem to be pros... His vocals arent necessarily the star here either so what did you expect

[@TheMyRimbaud]

@@achnix3167 Not sure you understood my meaning. I really like it, it was more of a joke about the unexpectedness of John Early doing an Aaliyah Cover that not only works as a great comedic video, but also as an awesome single in itself.

[@TheMyRimbaud]

@@danielklemens1416 Oh, didn't even know these were visible... That's just the songs I favorited on Spotify which I transferred to KZbin Music, when I switched. :)

[@IWeasel]

I’m impressed but he made it sound so much more dirtier than A’aliyah I think she’d be proud

[@achnix3167]

@@TheMyRimbaud yeah no I got you but i feel like its appropriately good.

[@Bencratchet]

Thank you for keeping Aaliyah alive. Beautiful video.

[@ttrees4090]

Awe work. This was dope. RIP Babygirl, she woulda approved.

[@WowJustWow37]

He brings newness that works well!

[@Annoyed_Human]

She would NOT of done so. Stop lying on babygirl. HOWEVER...this utter foolishness is on-time for 2024.

[@awaters8784]

​@@Annoyed_Humanpure trash,no this....😮🤬

[@-ghettostreetgyals-7164]

​@@Annoyed_Human why do you talk like you know her personally...its weird...also whos to say aaliyah didn't have a sense of humor? Stop acting like you speak for her.

[@Annoyed_Human]

@@-ghettostreetgyals-7164 🦵🏾🪨

[@antonioroberto2320]

I was ready to cuss someone out 🤣 but, I really enjoyed this. Thank you for paying homage to Aaliyah.Really Loved the video. ❣

[@catladytx]

I don't know why as soon as the music came on I began to have tears of laughter

[@lauramcguan]

His reaction to his parents 😂😂

[@gabrielmaroto18]

They were in another one of the specials when he played a groom,Zila.

[@lizzcambron5146]

John, you’ve ruined my morning meditation because this is ALL I can think about! ❤

[@seasonededges]

The choreo and direction of this mv is so not serious; I absolutely love it

[@seasonededges]

5:33 HELP 🤣

[@sxt4447]

Aaliyah is in Heaven watching this screaming “OKAYYYY!”

[@IWeasel]

Could you imagine her dancing with him ❤ wow

[@beefynachos6574]

No she’s not

[@psoasiwassaying]

I love the absurd extremes they took this to ❤

[@lanecaromane]

Lowkey was a lil skeptical at 1st but brooo come on u truly made a story & the backup singers & dancers just added to it's creativity & alsooooo the low jazzy elongated notes were sickkkkk

This subtext… John is a genius at playing a sociopath 😂

[@citywitch8376]

Someone mentioned this movie but I think we need an entire remake of Center Stage- the John Early Edition.

[@bees.857]

I thought I was the only person on earth that loves Center Stage 😂

[@IAMJC39]

@@bees.857no I love it too

[@drayeractor]

She is the moment; she is THE Fantasy.

[@lea-gabriellelarkin366]

Werk!!!!!! The harmonies dancing is eveything!!!!

[@ThePsalm1985]

This is absolutely the worst thing I've ever seen ridiculously disrespectful of Aaliyah, but also... At the same time... The best thing I've ever seen and is completely honouring Aaliyah in the most ridiculously way

[@nikkibot]

Yet another astounding professional accomplishment

[@cheeseburgerphone]

His finest work? I think so.

[@tp4346]

That was so fun and smart… you’re a treasure John Early

[@bexiexz]

this made my entire year, i have no words except that this is on repeat repeatedly!

[@sierra1390]

idk…maybe john early and the lemon squares should go on tour…

[@yvonne3902]

wait we're getting a whole ALBUM?! prayers have been answered 😢🍾

[@blackrosebae96]

Aaliyah would not be disappointed if she got see this smh I'm happy I watched this video! Y'all did a great job doing your own arrangement! ❤️‍🔥👏🏾

[@henrywilliams3153]

This was beyond beautiful, tremendously funny. The Recine cameo really primes you for the understated comedic elements.

[@hilaryhiggins4643]

The new Center Stage 🙌

[@AetherWallaceXIV]

i thought his lover was the bass player, and i giggled when i saw the drumsticks fall to the ground when they rode off. cute video! 😊😊

[@MrMoz32]

And i thought that Tweet's OOPS (there goes my skirt) cover 💎couldn't be matched but this one is extra 🔥🔥🔥. 💥💥👌🏾👌🏾

[@vbggnana1386]

Absolutely agree 100%

[@MysTaria87]

LOL the seriousness in these comments.. they’re clearly just having fun.

[@oculusdexterx6249]

*what in the Liza menneli broadway dance moves did I just watch lmaooo😂😂 I’m not going to hate too much because he’s pretty funny and he could actually sing. This was actually hilarious*

[@katherineerodrigues7609]

Why is this the best thing I’ve ever watched?

[@Bagsy454]

I love the thought of some hbo exec signing off on this

[@PorchiaP.]

John Early.. Right on time 😍💛

[@cinefiend4059]

That was incredible. I mean after watching your special I absolutely loved the musical portions of your show and this is no different but it’s definitely my favorite. Haha and the drumsticks at the end. Perfection. Would love to see this live. Much love

[@smw7791]

I didn't know this was happening... So ready for the album!

[@teninterrell]

It's the blue-eyed soul Bob Fosse of it all for me

[@popzombie83]

“Hey Blondie what that bussy do?” Will be running through my head on the reg.

[@TheRealPsychicLeoBrown]

Okay, givin' us a little Michael McDonald, Hall and Oates and some Herb Albert. Not bad. I'm here for it.

[@mellel5594]

That horn section, tho'! Nice!!

[@Anna-pz9ry]

This is hitting all the levels.

[@shellelsharone3860]

what a journey😂😂😂😂.i held up pretty well but by the time he was playing all of bands instruments i was on the floor😂😂😂😂

[@kellymarien9329]

Sitting on the drummer's lap 😂🎉😂❤

[@jg1luvm3]

Funny and cool at the same time 😂

[@blink6881]

Thank you for making good movies on KZbin all the time.

[@MusicalMar]

I’m like 😮 but sonically I’m amazed!

[@tobamontana5178]

This turned out exactly how I was expecting/wanting lol

[@yvonne3902]

"he kept saying, like in golf?" I LOVE THIS SO MUCH (come to the uk w the lemon squares pls and thank you)

[@dugongsdoitbetter]

No words, and yet, soo many.

[@sayszay]

Amazing. As an all time Aaliyah fan I appreciate this ❤😊🙌🏽

[@claytonallen5428]

Yes I’m loving it too ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@TheFinemocha]

How dare i love this?

[@lyriqdubose5965]

Type of vibe I bring to the function

[@BigDogg-1]

The 2 blk wmn should be ashamed of themselves but this is what they’re doing now. RIP Aaliyah

[@astrogliding]

This is hot. And yes…I was skeptical as F. However I’m truly impressed and I guessed it was the drummer … those smiles were too intense💕

[@christinapaavilainen6535]

Directions to my brain are specific and intense

[@johna1427]

How are you this freaking talented

[@cryawakespaces]

i loved every second of that

[@st.charlesofaberdeen154]

Talent❤

[@walterude6323]

Wait, what?!!! That reveal was NOT who I was expecting the secret hookup to be.

[@brandonm4471]

Right! And the piano man was hot lol

[@walterude6323]

@@brandonm4471 he absolutely is. 😃

[@TrishaBarreto]

Aaliyah would be proud. Fabulous.🕊

[@Luhhlace]

Yeah make the obvious observation and it sounds different but as its own version I actually live for this. If y’all can imagine Solange’s 2016 “Seat at the Table” the arrangement and mood of this version almost fits perfectly and his voice is akin to Durand Bernarr. 10/10

[@cathleenlukso9510]

Omfg so good. John Early is so god damn talented.

[@MaxineShaw_84]

Yes! Actual musicianship is always there 👂🏿 and the Center Stage of it all. 👏🏿

[@thecure3982]

Amazing!!!! 🔥

[@CJ-io6bh]

Absolutely love it!!😂

[@SilktheSiren]

Beautiful voice! ❤

[@SiSi-xg1hk]

This must have been so fun to film with everyone. As an Aaliyah fan, I approve 😁

[@emeral311]

The grey sweatpants 🎉

[@achnix3167]

Rocked the boat for sure

[@Missvoicebox]

I love John ❤

[@KateKillet]

Still working on teaching myself this choreography

[@nicoleslade213]

I was like ...😳 What is this OTHER BOY gonna do to our beloved artist's masterpiece... No offense to THE OTHERS, I have plenty of vanilla friends.😂😂😂🥰 This version hits like satin sheets while indulging caramel squares. 🌬️💕💕💕🙋‍♀️

[@jaxxxxxxxx23]

im DEADDDDDDDDDD

[@leggyra]

This is simply amazing.

[@lachlanwoods5696]

Thank you, many blessings 🙏🌈✨🦋

[@patrickmiller5385]

Woww this is some legendary shit

[@stevenanderson7620]

I was surprised that I like this it’s actually really pretty. Recently got into Aaliyah’s music, so this is an incredible cover.

[@sbss924]

You really honored this song, and I loved all of it. ALL of this video was great, the singing, dancing, band, singers......and the plot twist !!!! New Sub.

[@kyleek6152]

terry goon ate this up

[@frankie6669]

I looooove thiiiiiissss

[@Shizzmonger]

absolutely fantastic

[@wolfmouth]

ART

[@AerachEile]

So freakin good!