Yo yo yo: Mattel releases Elmo DMX

The Hood: Mattel today finally released its long awaited Elmo DMX doll, the latest follow on to its raging hit, Tickle Me Elmo. While some retailers, particularly those serving predominatly white, middle class neighborhoods, were somewhat puzzled by the move, those serving urban areas were overjoyed. "Finally, a damn Sesame Street puppet that my boyz can relate to", said one such retailer and parent. Still, there's a general expectation that Mattel may have overstepped a few boundaries even in these demographics given Elmo's new "colorful" language and mannerisms. Phrases like "Step off, bitch" and crotch grabbing robotics greet children that squeeze Elmo DMX; "M-------F-------" is also a common repetitive saying by Elmo, though "Yo, dog" is often a somewhat softer first phrase uttered by the doll.