A Halifax senior is giving new meaning to kickin’ it old school.

Sharon Murphy is dropping over seven decades of knowledge on her fellow residents at the Northwood Independent Living facility. The 71-year-old MC may be 4 foot 5 inches tall, but her powerful lyrics about respect for seniors rise above her diminutive stature.

CTV Atlantic caught up with Murphy on Thursday. She wasn’t shy about spitting a few bars for the camera.

“Did you just call me an old lady? Well, I’m here to say, I’m cute, smart and feisty, and I’m on my way. So keep your negative stereotypes at bay. ‘Cause I don’t want them in my life anyway,” Murphy rapped in a freestyle session. “I’m dressed for success. Busy as a bee. So don’t even try to keep up with me.”

Murphy’s unique sense of style draws upon classic hip hop apparel staples, she explained.

“When I see people rapping on TV, they have a hat pushed to the side, and usually a gold chain. I don’t have one. And sunglasses! They are an essential part of the rapping outfit,” she said.

Murphy’s shiny blue cap was indeed pushed to the side. She also wore a long beaded necklace to add additional bling to her red knit sweater featuring a picture of a pug with reindeer antlers.

Northwood President and CEO Janet Simm said Murphy’s lyrics are resonating with her audience. She also writes about social issues like basic income and affordable housing.

“She has added so, so much to our community. Her positivity, her energy, everything she has overcome in her life, in such a positive way,” Simm said. “She’s always up for a new challenge.”

Murphy has been through two heart surgeries, but that hasn’t stopped her from thinking about how to advance her career as an MC. She confirmed an interest in collaborating with other hip hop talent -- perhaps Drake or Classified could be tapped for the job.

The artist would have to be suitably “intelligent,” she explained.

For now, Murphy is content to keep spreading her message that senior citizens are undeniably cool.

“I just want to say that I’m here and I’m vital. And I have something to offer, so don’t ignore me. You can learn from me,” she said. “Put your arms up and swivel your hips. You’ll be okay.”

With a report from CTV Atlantic’s Suzette Belliveau