The traditional hip-hop observe impressed by Jackson 5

Naughty By Nature was an thrilling rap trio from the Nineties that rose out of New Jersey in the beginning of the last decade. The crew have been mentored by the long-lasting feminine emcee, Queen Latifah and in 1991, that they had a traditional with their first hit ‘O.P.P.’

The tune speaks about dishonest in a relationship, with rappers Treach and Vin Rock asking who’s “down with O.P.P.” Throughout the observe, they demystify the which means of the acronym, rapping, The first two phrases are “Other People’s,” however for guys, the final P is a “five-letter word rhyming with cleanest and meanest.” For women, it’s “Another way to call a cat a kitten.”

‘O.P.P.’ was one of many first rap songs to grow to be a pop hit, debuting at quantity six on the Billboard Sizzling 100. Nonetheless, the observe’s groove was very acquainted to many because it borrowed closely from the Jackson 5 song ‘ABC’.

The tune borrowed a lot from the observe it might nearly be thought of a canopy. Nonetheless, it was launched in the summertime of 1991, mere months earlier than Irish singer Gilbert O’Sullivan received his lawsuit towards Biz Markie for sampling his tune with out clearance.

The tune included varied snippets of Michael Jackson’s vocals from the unique observe. Nonetheless, following its launch, Naughty By Nature’s label, Tommy Boy, did get permission to make use of ‘ABC’ because the 4 writers of the 1970 observe ended up on the official credit.

“Down Wit’ OPP” grew to become a catchphrase on the East Coast, where the track got a lot of local radio play. From Newark to Philadelphia and New York Metropolis, folks wore T-shirts saying, “Ya Down Wit OPP?” The tune from the fairly new trio even bought a music video, which was a giant hit on the present Yo! MTV Raps.

Queen Latifah makes an look within the music video, and solely a 12 months later Treach would seem within the iconic film Juice alongside 2Pac and Janet Jackson. You may watch the visuals for ‘O.P.P.’ under.