In this new series entitled “Your Friend, the ’90s,” we will be exploring the most extremely awesome examples of ’90s pop music—and today we start with an exceptionally wondrous, yet troubling song, “The Rockafeller Skank” by Fatboy Slim. Born Quentin Leon Cook, this Brighton DJ had an amazing 1998 with the aforementioned hit single, as well as his album “You’ve Come a Long Way, Baby” which also produced the UK #1 “Praise You” (video directed by Spike Jonze). While a fantastic dance number, “The Rockafeller Skank” is troubling for two reasons: 1) the complete breakdown of the beat halfway through the song, and 2) its most memorable sample “right about now, the funk soul brother” was lifted from Lord Finesse who was neither consulted beforehand about the sample, nor ever paid any royalties. BOOOOOO!!!

Regardless, while I could certainly give you the approved video that was broadcast on MTV, I think it’s far more revealing to show the cultural influence this song had on the nation’s teenage psyche, with this version of the Skank from the classic 1999 film, SHE’S ALL THAT (starring Freddie Prinze, Jr, and Rachel Leigh Cook). Check out this hilarious, and WAY overly choreographed prom dance scene. While it’s possibly the most unrealistic prom I’ve ever witnessed in my life (besides the fact that Usher is the DJ), I really, really wish my prom had been like this.