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The Rockafeller Skank

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"The Rockafeller Skank" is a song by English big beat musician and DJ Fatboy Slim. It was released as the lead single from his second studio album, You've Come a Long Way, Baby (1998), on 8 June 1998. The single peaked at number six on the UK Singles Chart in June 1998 and topped the Icelandic Singles Chart for a week the same month. It was the second Fatboy Slim single (after "Praise You") to chart on the US Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 76. In 2022, Rolling Stone ranked "The Rockafeller Skank" at number 199 on their list of the "200 Greatest Dance Songs of All Time".[2]

"The Rockafeller Skank"
Single by Fatboy Slim
from the album You've Come a Long Way, Baby
B-side
  • "Always Read the Label"
  • "Tweakers Delight"
Released8 June 1998 (1998-06-08)
GenreBig beat[1]
Length
  • 6:53 (album version)
  • 3:27 (radio edit)
  • 4:03 (short and video version)
LabelSkint
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)Fatboy Slim
Fatboy Slim singles chronology
"Going Out of My Head"
(1997) 		"The Rockafeller Skank"
(1998) 		"Gangster Tripping"
(1998)
Music video
"The Rockafeller Skank" on YouTube

Critical reception

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Larry Flick from Billboard wrote, "Using self-consciously old-school DJ techniques (scratching and repetition of a spoken phrase, dramatic tempo changes), Fatboy Slim has created an organically simple masterpiece. With the accessibility of Beck, the danceability of ska, and the sunny quality of the Beach Boys, the track has a sparse, magnetic beginning that builds in depth and intensity (with the addition of jangly guitar riffs and more complex beats) to a meticulous, frenetic climax. And the wind-down is no less danceable."[3]

Will Hermes from Entertainment Weekly called it a "remarkable splice-rock roller coaster". He added, "Big, dynamic, spectacularly dumb, it grafts Duane Eddy guitar twang (via John Barry) onto Godzilla-goes-Motown beats, adds an MC non sequitur, and presses "frappe" on the digital blender. Result? The most potent DJ pop since "Firestarter". If this won't convert the techno-phobes, nothing will."[4]

A reviewer from Music & Media stated that the track "easily matches the extremely high quality one would expect from a chart veteran with such names as the Housemartins, Beats International, The Mighty Dubcats and Pizzaman on his CV." He explained further, "This time around, he's somehow managed to fuse big beat and dance with surf—seasoned with a slight pinch of punk—and has come up with what is probably the single most infectious sound around on the airwaves right now."[5]

Samples

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The song features the repeated line "Right about now, the funk soul brother / Check it out now, the funk soul brother", which is a truncated vocal sample of rapper Lord Finesse on the track "Vinyl Dogs Vibe" by Vinyl Dogs. The original line, a spoken-word introduction to the instrumental track, was "Check it out right about now, it's no other than the funk soul brother, the Lord Finesse. And you're welcome to the world of the Vinyl Dogs right about now".[6]

Lord Finesse spoke about his "contribution" for the first time in 2019. He recalled receiving a fax about Fatboy Slim wanting to use his vocal sample for "The Rockafeller Skank", to which he agreed. However, he was shocked to learn the song was not what he had in mind, thinking it was going to be hip hop and not big beat. He called it a "big mistake" and expressed regret for not listening to the song first before sending his approval, and not having someone look at the contract before he signed it. Regardless, Lord Finesse remains proud of the success of "The Rockafeller Skank" but says it could have been his "retirement money".[7]

The song also features eight[8] other samples, including a sample of the song "Sliced Tomatoes" by the band Just Brothers (a popular Northern soul track); The Bobby Fuller Four's "I Fought the Law" (featuring DeWayne Quirico's drum intro); "Join the Gang" by David Bowie; "Who You Wit II" by Jay-Z (pitched down vocals saying "Rockafeller"); and a sample of "Beat Girl" by John Barry and his Orchestra. Guitar lines were also sampled from "Twistin' 'N' Twangin'" by Duane Eddy[9] and "Why Can't You Love Me" by Brian Poole & The Tremeloes,[10] along with a shout from the song "Soup" by the J.J. All-Stars.

Fatboy Slim has stated that to clear the samples and release the song he had to release 100% of the track's royalties, 25% to each artist, meaning he receives no royalties himself.[11]

On the album, the track is preceded by a short conversation between a radio DJ and caller named Brad requesting the song. A real conversation that took place on Boston station WBCN (now known as WWBX), the tape was played for Fatboy Slim who persuaded the station to allow him to use the audio on the album.[12]

Track listings

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Charts

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Certifications and sales

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Region Certification Certified units/sales
United Kingdom (BPI)[56] Platinum 600,000‡
United States — 141,000[57]

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

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Region Date Format(s) Label(s) Ref.
United Kingdom 8 June 1998
  • 12-inch vinyl
  • CD
  • cassette
 Skint [58]
Japan 17 June 1998 CD [59]
United States 28 September 1999 Contemporary hit radio
[60]

References

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  1. ^ "What Are The Best Ibiza Bangers Of All Time?". The O2. Anschutz Entertainment Group. 22 July 2016. Archived from the original on 25 July 2016. Retrieved 15 September 2021.
  2. ^ Dolan, Jon; Lopez, Julyssa; Matos, Michaelangelo; Shaffer, Claire (22 July 2022). "200 Greatest Dance Songs of All Time". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 30 October 2022.
  3. ^ Flick, Larry (27 June 1998). "Reviews & Previews: Singles" (PDF). Billboard. p. 25. Retrieved 6 December 2020.
  4. ^ Hermes, Will (17 July 1998). "This Week: Music". Entertainment Weekly. Issue 441.
  5. ^ "Airborne" (PDF). Music & Media. 27 June 1998. p. 17. Retrieved 23 December 2019.
  6. ^ "Fatboy Slim's The Rockafeller Skank sample of Vinyl Dogs feat. Lord Finesse's Vinyl Dogs Vibe". WhoSampled. Retrieved 23 March 2012.
  7. ^ 247HH. "Lord Finesse - Clearing My Vocals For Fatboy Slim's "Rockafeller Skank"". YouTube. Retrieved 7 July 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  8. ^ "Tracks Sampled in The Rockafeller Skank by Fatboy Slim on WhoSampled". WhoSampled. Retrieved 21 September 2022.
  9. ^ "Fatboy Slim's The Rockafeller Skank sample of Duane Eddy's Twistin' 'n' Twangin'". WhoSampled. Retrieved 23 March 2012.
  10. ^ "Fatboy Slim's 'The Rockafeller Skank' - Discover the Sample Source". WhoSampled. Retrieved 11 November 2022.
  11. ^ Nick Lawrence (7 May 2007). "Fatboy Slim Interview (May 2006) « HigherFrequency". Higherfrequency.wordpress.com. Retrieved 23 March 2012.
  12. ^ @FatboySlim (1 January 2021). "i went on WBCN when i was promoting 'rockafella skank' and they played me this tape of a guy who had rung in the day before. i thought it was so goofy and persuaded them to let me have the tape and let me put it on the album.. i subsequently met Brad next time i was in Boston and" (Tweet). Archived from the original on 1 January 2021. Retrieved 3 April 2023 – via Twitter.
  13. ^ The Rockafeller Skank (UK CD single liner notes). Fatboy Slim. Skint Records. 1998. SKINT 35CD.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  14. ^ The Rockafeller Skank (Australian CD single liner notes). Fatboy Slim. Dance Pool. 1998. 665968.2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  15. ^ The Rockafeller Skank (US maxi-CD single liner notes). Fatboy Slim. Astralwerks. 1998. ASW 6242 CD.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  16. ^ The Rockafeller Skank (US cassette single sleeve). Fatboy Slim. Astralwerks. 1998. ASW 66242-4.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  17. ^ The Rockafeller Skank (UK 12-inch single sleeve). Fatboy Slim. Skint Records. 1998. SKINT 35.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  18. ^ The Rockafeller Skank (US 12-inch single sleeve). Fatboy Slim. Astralwerks. 1998. ASW 6242.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  19. ^ The Rockafeller Skank (UK cassette single sleeve). Fatboy Slim. Skint Records. 1998. SKINT 35MC.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  20. ^ The Rockafeller Skank (European CD single liner notes). Fatboy Slim. Skint Records. 1998. SKI 665968 1.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  21. ^ The Rockafeller Skank (Japanese CD single liner notes). Fatboy Slim. Skint Records. 1998. ESCA 7289.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  22. ^ "Fatboy Slim – The Rockafeller Skank". ARIA Top 50 Singles.
  23. ^ "Fatboy Slim – The Rockafeller Skank" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40.
  24. ^ "Fatboy Slim – The Rockafeller Skank" (in Dutch). Ultratip.
  25. ^ "Fatboy Slim Chart History (Canadian Digital Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 23 December 2021.
  26. ^ "Top RPM Singles: Issue 10000." RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved 7 November 2018.
  27. ^ "Top RPM Dance/Urban: Issue 7028." RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved 7 November 2018.
  28. ^ Danish Singles Chart. 24 July 1998.
  29. ^ "Eurochart Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 15, no. 29. 18 July 1998. p. 10. Retrieved 4 June 2020.
  30. ^ "Fatboy Slim – The Rockafeller Skank" (in French). Les classement single.
  31. ^ "Fatboy Slim – The Rockafeller Skank" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved 7 November 2018.
  32. ^ "Íslenski Listinn Topp 40 (4.6. – 11.6. 1998)". Dagblaðið Vísir (in Icelandic). 5 June 1998. p. 30. Retrieved 3 October 2019.
  33. ^ "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Rockafeller Skank". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved 4 June 2020.
  34. ^ "Hits of the World – Italy" (PDF). Billboard. Vol. 110, no. 28. 11 July 1998. p. 46. Retrieved 4 June 2020.
  35. ^ "Fatboy Slim – The Rockafeller Skank" (in Dutch). Single Top 100.
  36. ^ "Fatboy Slim – The Rockafeller Skank". Top 40 Singles.
  37. ^ "Fatboy Slim – The Rockafeller Skank". VG-lista.
  38. ^ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 7 November 2018.
  39. ^ "Fatboy Slim – The Rockafeller Skank". Singles Top 100.
  40. ^ "Fatboy Slim – The Rockafeller Skank". Swiss Singles Chart.
  41. ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company.
  42. ^ "Official Dance Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 7 November 2018.
  43. ^ "Official Independent Singles Chart Top 50". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 7 November 2018.
  44. ^ "Fatboy Slim Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved 24 June 2019.
  45. ^ "Fatboy Slim Chart History (Alternative Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved 24 June 2019.
  46. ^ "Fatboy Slim Chart History (Dance Singles Sales)". Billboard. Retrieved 9 November 2021.
  47. ^ "Fatboy Slim Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 24 June 2019.
  48. ^ "RPM's Top 50 Dance Tracks of '98". RPM. Retrieved 24 June 2019 – via Library and Archives Canada.
  49. ^ "Íslenski Listinn Topp 100 – Vinsælustu Lögin '98". Dagblaðið Vísir (in Icelandic). 2 January 1999. p. 34. Retrieved 8 February 2020.
  50. ^ "Årslista Singlar, 1998" (in Swedish). Sverigetopplistan. Retrieved 12 March 2021.
  51. ^ "Best Sellers of 1998 – Singles Top 100". Music Week. 16 January 1999. p. 7.
  52. ^ "Najlepsze single na UK Top 40–1998 wg sprzedaży" (in Polish). Archived from the original on 4 June 2015. Retrieved 24 June 2019.
  53. ^ "The Year in Music 1998: Hot Dance Maxi-Singles Sales". Billboard. Vol. 110, no. 52. 26 December 1998. p. YE-54.
  54. ^ "1999 The Year in Music: Hot Dance Maxi-Singles Sales". Billboard. Vol. 111, no. 52. 25 December 1999. p. YE-61.
  55. ^ "Most Played Mainstream Top 40 Songs of 2000". Airplay Monitor. Vol. 8, no. 51. 22 December 2000. p. 54.
  56. ^ "British single certifications – Fatboy Slim – The Rockafeller Skank". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 10 February 2023.
  57. ^ "Dancefloor Ground Swell" (PDF). Billboard. 9 October 1999. p. 52. Retrieved 29 January 2020 – via World Radio History.
  58. ^ "New Releases: Singles" (PDF). Music Week. 6 June 1998. p. 25. Retrieved 6 July 2021.
  59. ^ "Fatboy Slim". Sony Music Entertainment Japan. Archived from the original on 4 January 2001. Retrieved 25 August 2023. Click on Discography.
  60. ^ "CHR/Pop: Going for Adds". Radio & Records. No. 1318. 24 September 1999. p. 81.
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