Jimmy James (song)

"Jimmy James" is the third single from American rap rock band the Beastie Boys' third album Check Your Head.

"Jimmy James"
Single by Beastie Boys
from the album Check Your Head
B-side	"The Maestro", "Boomin' Granny," "Drinkin' Wine"
Released	August 28, 1992
Recorded	G-Son Studios, Atwater Village
Genre	Rap rock alternative hip hop
Length	3:14 (album version) 3:05 (original/single version)
Label	Capitol/Grand Royal
Songwriter(s)	Beastie Boys, Mario Caldato Jr.
Producer(s)	Beastie Boys, Mario Caldato Jr.
Beastie Boys singles chronology
"So What'cha Want" (1992) "Jimmy James" (1992) "Gratitude" (1992)
Music video
"Jimmy James" on YouTube

Music video

MTV and VH1 credit the "Jimmy James" music video to Nathanial Hörnblowér, Adam Yauch's director alter ego. However, on the Beastie Boys' Sabotage VHS tape released in 1994, the "Jimmy James" music video is listed as being co-directed by Yauch (as Nathanial Hörnblowér) and Lisa Ann Cabasa, an actress, and Yauch's girlfriend at the time the video was made. Cabasa directed the dance sequences in the music video and also appeared in the video as one of the silhouetted female dancers.

Formats and track listing

U.S. CD single

1. "Jimmy James" (single version) – 3:05
2. "The Maestro" – 2:52
3. "Jimmy James" (LP version) – 3:14
4. "Boomin' Granny" – 2:18
5. "Jimmy James" (original original version) – 3:42
6. "Drinkin' Wine" – 4:42

European CD single

1. "Jimmy James" (single version) – 3:05
2. "Jimmy James" (LP version) – 3:14
3. "Jimmy James" (original original version) – 3:42
4. "The Maestro" – 2:52

UK CD single Frozen Metal Head EP

1. "Jimmy James" (single version) – 3:05
2. "The Blue Nun" – 0:31
3. "Jimmy James" (original original version) – 3:42
4. "Drinkin' Wine" – 4:42

U.S. 12-inch single

A1. "Jimmy James" (single version) – 3:05

A2. "Jimmy James" (LP version) – 3:14

A3. "Jimmy James" (original original version) – 3:42

B1. "The Maestro" – 2:52

B2. "Boomin' Granny" – 2:18

B3. "Drinkin' Wine" – 4:42

European 12-inch single

A2. "Jimmy James" (LP version) – 3:14

A3. "Jimmy James" (original original version) – 3:42

B1. "The Maestro" – 2:52

B2. "Boomin' Granny" – 2:18

UK 12-inch single Frozen Metal Head EP

A1. "Jimmy James" (single version) – 3:05

A2. "So What'cha Want" (All the Way freestyle version) – 3:37

B1. "Jimmy James" (original original version) – 3:42

B2. "Drinkin' Wine" – 4:42

In popular culture

The name of the character Jimmy James played by Stephen Root on the television series NewsRadio came from this song.

Personnel

Beastie Boys

• Mike D – vocals, producer
• MCA – vocals, producer
• Ad-Rock – vocals, producer

Production

• Mario Caldato, Jr – producer
• Tom Baker – mastering

Other personnel

• Eric Haze – artwork

Charts

In the UK, the song charted as a part of the EP Frozen Metal Head.

Chart (1992)	Peak position
UK Singles Chart	55

External links

• "Jimmy James" on YouTube
• "Jimmy James" at AllMusic
• "Jimmy James" at Discogs (list of releases)