Hubbry Logo
Double Dutch BusDouble Dutch BusMain
Open search
Double Dutch Bus
Community hub
Double Dutch Bus
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Double Dutch Bus
Double Dutch Bus
from Wikipedia

"Double Dutch Bus"
Single by Frankie Smith
from the album Children of Tomorrow
B-side"Double Dutch"[1]
ReleasedFebruary 22, 1981
Recorded1980
StudioAlpha International, Philadelphia
GenreFunk, old-school hip hop
Length3:29
LabelWMOT
SongwritersBill Bloom, Frankie Smith
ProducersBill Bloom, Frankie Smith
Music video
"Double Dutch Bus" Official video on YouTube

"Double Dutch Bus" [2] is a funk song by Frankie Smith, made famous for its extensive use of the "izz" infix form of slang. It was released in February 1981, although some sources indicate 1980 as the original release date.[2] The single capitalized on the concepts of the double-decker bus and the jump rope game called Double Dutch, popular with American children since the early 1970s. The song became a foundation of hip hop music and dance.[3]

Co-written by Bill Bloom of WMOT Records, "Double Dutch Bus" hit number 1 for four weeks on the Billboard Best Selling Soul Singles chart.[1]

History

[edit]

"Double Dutch Bus" was released in late 1980 and gained momentum on the charts in mid-1981.[4] The song's rhythm and lyrics are based on the Double Dutch jump rope game. Such games were played by urban school children, and in 1973 they were formalized into a team sport in New York City.[3] The song lyrics follow the pattern of older skipping-rope rhymes, and they mention the TransPass used by the SEPTA bus system in Philadelphia.

In the 1970s, the Double Dutch jump rope game was growing quickly in popularity, with the Fantastic Four competition team (four high school girls from New York) winning the Double Dutch World Championship and appearing in commercials for McDonald's.[3]

Production and reception

[edit]

Using the stage name Franklin Franklin, Frankie Smith wrote a song called "Double Dutch", published as a 7-inch single by Paramount Records in 1973, arranged by Caldwell McMillan Jr. and produced by Schulman Music, but it did not chart. After Smith saw that the jump rope game was again rising in the media, he and co-writer Bill Bloom persuaded contacts at WMOT Records to finance an updated version; it was recorded in 1980, engineered by Gene Leone at Alpha International, Philadelphia. The song rocketed to popularity in a matter of weeks and debuted on the U.S. Billboard Hot Soul Singles chart in February, rising to the top spot by July, where it held at number one for four weeks. It also crossed over to the Billboard Hot 100, where it peaked at number 30 in the summer of 1981.[5]

The record became only the second in history (following the 1979 Barbra Streisand/Donna Summer duet "No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)") to receive two separate standard-release Gold certifications from the RIAA: first in June 1981 for sales of the 12-inch single;[6] and a second Gold record in September 1981 for sales of the 7-inch radio edit.[7]

In the National Geographic documentary King of Coke: Living the High Life, Frankie Smith explains how the song was composed. He also states that WMOT Records failed to pay him his royalties, and how he therefore was unable to pay his taxes. An investigation was started which brought to light that WMOT Records was not only badly managed, but in fact laundering money for Larry Lavin, aka Dr. Snow, a dentist who was secretly dealing cocaine.

Track listings

[edit]
  • U.S. 7-inch single – WMOT Records WS8 5356
  1. "Double Dutch Bus" – 3:29
  2. "Double Dutch" – 4:33
  • U.S. 12-inch single – WMOT Records 4W8 5351
  1. "Double Dutch Bus" – 5:20
  2. "Double Dutch" – 4:33
  • Canada 12-inch single – P.B.I. Records W12-107
  1. "Double Dutch" / "Double Dutch Bus" (Special Disco Mix) – 9:00
  2. "Double Dutch" – 4:33
  • Canada CD maxi-single (1994) – Unidisc SP5-1683
  1. "Double Dutch Bus" – 5:20
  2. "Triple Dutch" – 6:01
  3. "Double Dutch Bus" (Original 12" Mix) – 8:25
  4. "Double Dutch Bus" (Radio Edit) – 4:18

Chart positions

[edit]
Chart (1981) Peak
position
Belgium (Ultratop 50)[8] 19
Netherlands (Dutch Single Top 100)[9] 7
U.S. Billboard Hot Soul Singles 1
U.S. Billboard Hot 100 30
U.S. Billboard Disco Top 100[10] 51

Sampling

[edit]

The song was sampled by Missy Elliott for use in the song "Gossip Folks".[11]

Raven-Symoné version

[edit]
"Double Dutch Bus"
Single by Raven-Symoné
from the album Raven-Symoné
Released
  • March 4, 2008
Recorded2007
GenreFunk, hip hop
Length3:02
LabelHollywood
Songwriters
Producers
Raven-Symoné singles chronology
"Backflip"
(2004)
"Double Dutch Bus"
(2008)
"Anti-Love Song"
(2009)

"Double Dutch Bus" was covered by Raven-Symoné in 2008. The track was released to promote the film College Road Trip and is the lead single from her eponymous fourth album. The single was placed on Radio Disney on February 9, 2008,[12] and became available for digital download through iTunes on March 4, 2008.

Music video

[edit]

The music video premiered on Disney Channel on February 18, 2008. The music video shows Raven and others dancing under a disco ball and enjoying a party bus. Images from the film College Road Trip are also seen. Cast member Donny Osmond makes a cameo appearance in the video, which was directed by Patrick Hoelck.[13]

Track listing

[edit]
CD single/digital download[14][15]
  1. "Double Dutch Bus" - 3:02

Radio and release history

[edit]
Country Date Label Format
United States February 9, 2008 Hollywood Records Radio Disney
March 4, 2008 CD single, digital download

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
"Double Dutch Bus" is a funk and early hip-hop song written and performed by American musician Frankie Smith, released in 1981 on WMOT Records as the lead single from his debut album Children of Tomorrow. The track is renowned for its playful incorporation of the "izz" infix slang—a form of Pig Latin-inspired dialect drawn from Philadelphia's local street and nightclub culture—along with rhythmic chants mimicking the double Dutch jump rope game and references to public bus transportation via the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA). The song's infectious beat and innovative propelled it to commercial success, peaking at number one on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart where it remained for four weeks and reaching number 30 on the ; it also sold over one million copies, earning gold certification. Smith, born in in 1953, drew inspiration from urban youth culture, blending elements of with proto-rap delivery to create a vibrant, community-oriented that captured the energy of Black American experiences. Beyond its chart performance, "Double Dutch Bus" holds cultural significance as one of the earliest recorded examples of hip-hop slang in mainstream music, influencing later artists like who popularized similar "-izzle" suffixes in the 2000s. The song appeared on the television program and inspired a 1993 re-recording by titled "The New Double Dutch Bus," though it failed to replicate the original's success; it has since been sampled and covered, including a version by in 2008 for the .

Background

Frankie Smith

Franklyn Leon Smith was born on January 29, 1953, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He began his music career in 1972 as a staff songwriter and producer at Philadelphia International Records, collaborating with artists such as the O'Jays, the Spinners, Billy Paul, and Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes. His work during this period focused on crafting R&B and soul material that contributed to the label's signature sound under founders Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff. In the late 1970s, Smith transitioned from behind-the-scenes roles to fronting his own performances, collaborating on sessions with established acts like Fat Larry's Band before signing as a solo artist with the independent Philadelphia-based label WMOT Records (We Men of Talent) for his 1981 debut album. The song "Double Dutch Bus," released through WMOT, drew brief inspiration from Philadelphia street culture, including the local transit system and double Dutch jump rope games. Following the track's success, Smith encountered significant legal disputes with WMOT over unpaid royalties, as detailed in a lawsuit (case no. CA 82-1275-NS). These issues were compounded by allegations that label executive Mark Stewart had embezzled funds through schemes connected to a multimillion-dollar operation, diverting an estimated $1.44 million in earnings, including Smith's share of over $30,000 in royalties from the song. Smith ultimately did not recover these funds. Smith passed away on March 8, 2019, in Philadelphia at the age of 66. He received posthumous recognition in hip-hop history for pioneering playful, nonsensical slang techniques in his music, which influenced later rappers such as Snoop Dogg and E-40.

Song origins and themes

The song "Double Dutch Bus" draws its primary inspiration from the Double Dutch jump rope game, a rhythmic activity that gained widespread popularity among children in urban communities during the 1970s. This game, involving two ropes turned in opposite directions while participants jump in sync, was revitalized as an organized sport in New York City public schools starting in 1973 by NYPD officers David A. Walker and Ulysses Williams, who introduced competitive tournaments to promote physical fitness and community engagement among youth. The first official Double Dutch competition took place on February 14, 1974, in Harlem, drawing around 600 students from grades 5 through 8 and marking the formal establishment of the American Double Dutch League by Walker. By blending the energetic, playful essence of this childhood pastime with urban mobility, the song captures a sense of joyful escapism rooted in Black American playground culture. A key thematic element stems from Philadelphia's public transit culture, where Frankie Smith, a native of the city, observed the daily routines of commuters on buses during the late 1970s. , the Southeastern Transportation Authority, operated an extensive bus network that served as a vital lifeline for working-class neighborhoods, and the song incorporates references to the "TransPass," a real monthly fare pass issued by that allowed unlimited rides and symbolized affordable urban travel. This fusion of transit lingo with playground slang evokes the vibrancy of city life, portraying buses not just as vehicles but as communal spaces for social interaction and adventure. The track's distinctive language further reflects emerging hip-hop wordplay through the "izz" , a form of phonetic alteration in (AAVE) that inserts "-izz-" after the initial consonant to create playful, coded expressions, such as transforming "bus" into "bizzus." This ation technique, documented in AAVE as a creative morphological process, gained traction in late-1970s hip-hop circles for its rhythmic flair and in-group signaling, predating its broader popularization in the and . By weaving this into its narrative, the song underscores themes of childhood fun, communal bonding, and the ingenuity of urban Black American life in the early , celebrating resilience and amid everyday routines.

Original version

Production

The recording of "Double Dutch Bus" occurred in 1980 at Alpha International Studios in , . The track was produced by in collaboration with co-producer and co-writer Bill Bloom for the independent label WMOT Records. Smith performed lead vocals and played keyboards, with additional contributions from session musicians handling bass, , and horn arrangements to build the 's energetic foundation. A group of children provided backing vocals as the "Double Dutch Gang," enhancing the track's playful, communal vibe. During the sessions, Smith improvised elements of the song late at night, initially recording a more explicit version before refining it with the signature "izz" to make it radio-friendly. The production incorporated prominent rhythms, call-and-response vocal patterns, and sound effects simulating bus sounds and the skipping motions of double Dutch jump ropes, capturing the essence of urban childhood games. These creative choices emphasized the track's lighthearted, -infused themes of playful . Variations in length were developed to suit different formats, resulting in a of 3:29 for the 7-inch single and an extended 12-inch version running 5:20 that allowed for more grooves and vocal interplay. The recording earned an Golden Reel award, recognizing its technical excellence at the studio.

Lyrics and musical style

The lyrics of "Double Dutch Bus" revolve around a playful, fictional centered on a "double dutch bus," a whimsical urban transport imagined as a route for a "Double Dutch Affair," evoking the rhythmic energy of the children's jump rope game double Dutch. The song employs a verse-chorus structure with prominent call-and-response elements, where the lead vocals interact with group chants and crowd-like responses, such as the opening "Gimme a 'ho' if you got your funky bus fare / Ho! Ho! Ho!" to build communal excitement. Key verses depict everyday scenarios, like missing the bus and walking to work, infused with self-deprecating humor, while the chorus features nonsensical, joyful phrases like "Gimme the zizzer and I'll gimme the zazz," capturing a sense of carefree playfulness. Linguistically, the song innovates through extensive use of "izzing," a form of slang derived from (also called Izz Latin or Ghetto Pig Latin), where syllables like "-izz-" are inserted into words for rhythmic and fun, as in "Aizziz my nizzay" meaning "Is my name." This technique, used as a secret code among children in urban settings, predates its popularization in hip-hop and serves as an early precursor to rap , influencing later artists who adopted similar infix patterns for stylistic flair. The slang adds a layer of encoded joy and exclusivity, mirroring the insider dynamics of and foreshadowing hip-hop's emphasis on linguistic creativity. Musically, "Double Dutch Bus" embodies the genre with an upbeat tempo of approximately 120 beats per minute (BPM), driving its energetic, danceable groove. A prominent heavy anchors the track, complemented by synth horns that punctuate the with brassy accents and percussive elements, including slapping rhythms and patterns that evoke the skipping cadence of jump rope. These components blend with emerging hip-hop influences, creating a lively, rhythmic foundation that enhances the song's thematic playfulness without relying on complex .

Release and commercial performance

"Double Dutch Bus" was released in February 1981 as the from Frankie Smith's debut album Children of Tomorrow on WMOT Records. The track quickly gained traction on urban radio stations, where its upbeat rhythm and playful "izz" slang infixes captured listeners' attention, blending R&B with emerging hip-hop elements to appeal beyond traditional audiences. The song achieved significant chart success, topping the Billboard Hot Soul Singles chart for four weeks from July 18 to August 8, 1981. It crossed over to the pop market, peaking at number 30 on the in August 1981 and spending 19 weeks on the chart. Internationally, it reached number 7 on the and number 19 on the Belgian 50. Initial reception highlighted its infectious energy and novelty, though some noted the slang as gimmicky; it featured prominently in early hip-hop radio rotations, boosting its cultural buzz. Commercially, the 12-inch single was certified by the RIAA in June 1981 for sales exceeding 500,000 units, followed by a second gold certification for the 7-inch version in September 1981. These milestones reflected over one million total copies sold in the U.S. by late 1981, underscoring its status as a crossover hit that bridged R&B and pop markets.

Formats and certifications

Track listings

The original 7-inch single release of "Double Dutch Bus" by on WMOT Records (catalog WS8 5356, 1981) featured the song as the A-side in its form running 3:29, backed by "Double Dutch" on the B-side at 4:33. The corresponding 12-inch single (WMOT Records 4W8 5351, 1980) featured "Double Dutch Bus" on the A-side lasting 5:20, with "Double Dutch" on the B-side at 4:33. A 1994 CD maxi-single reissue by Unidisc (SP5-1683, ) compiled various mixes, including the standard version (5:18), Triple Dutch (instrumental, 6:01), the original 12-inch mix (8:25), and the radio edit (4:18). The track was also included on Smith's debut album Children of Tomorrow (WMOT Records, 1981) in a standard version running 5:20.
FormatLabel/CatalogTrackDuration
7-inch single (A-side)WMOT WS8 5356 (1981)3:29
7-inch single (B-side)WMOT WS8 5356 (1981)Double Dutch4:33
12-inch single (A-side)WMOT 4W8 5351 (1980)Double Dutch Bus5:20
12-inch single (B-side)WMOT 4W8 5351 (1980)Double Dutch4:33
CD maxi-singleUnidisc SP5-1683 (1994)Double Dutch Bus5:18
CD maxi-singleUnidisc SP5-1683 (1994)Triple Dutch (instrumental)6:01
CD maxi-singleUnidisc SP5-1683 (1994)Double Dutch Bus (original 12" mix)8:25
CD maxi-singleUnidisc SP5-1683 (1994)4:18
Album versionChildren of Tomorrow (WMOT, 1981)Double Dutch Bus5:20

Certifications

The original version of "Double Dutch Bus" by earned two separate RIAA Gold certifications in 1981, a rare distinction for a single at the time. The 12-inch single was certified in June 1981 for sales of over 500,000 units, followed by a second certification in 1981 for the 7-inch single, also exceeding 500,000 units, resulting in total U.S. sales surpassing one million copies. No major international certifications were issued for the track, though its popularity in drove significant sales that propelled it to peak positions of number 8 on the chart (with 10 weeks on the chart) and number 20 on the Belgian 50.

Cultural legacy

Sampling

"Double Dutch Bus" by has been sampled in over 25 documented tracks, primarily drawing on its infectious , punchy horn stabs, and the playful "izz" vocal hooks that define its slang-infused chorus. These elements have proven versatile for hip-hop producers seeking rhythmic energy and nostalgic flair. A prominent example is Missy Elliott's "Gossip Folks" (2002), featuring , which repurposes the song's chorus and "izz" slang to create a high-energy hip-hop track that critiques media gossip while nodding to early rap's playful roots. Produced by , the sample integrates seamlessly into the beat, amplifying the original's for a modern remix aesthetic. Another notable sample appears in Gwen Stefani's "" (2005), which interpolates the and rhythmic elements to contribute to its chart-topping success. The track's influence extends to early hip-hop production, where its funky grooves helped popularize sampling from and electro- sources during the 1980s and 1990s, shaping beats that blended street slang with danceable rhythms. This enduring appeal underscores "Double Dutch Bus" as a foundational element in hip-hop's sampling tradition.

Covers and remixes

The song "Double Dutch Bus" has inspired a number of covers and remixes, reflecting its enduring appeal in , hip-hop, and circles. One of the earliest documented remixes is the 1981 Special Remix, which extended the track to over nine minutes for club and play. In the , es continued with the Zazoo released in , offering a fresh take on the original's funky groove. The Bootleg Mix followed in 1997, produced in a style by DJs for underground club scenes and later digitized for broader distribution. Additional variants include the Dub Mix from 1999, emphasizing instrumental elements for compilations. Covers emerged prominently in the 2000s and beyond, with at least three full versions documented. The Project delivered an indie house-funk cover in 2003, reinterpreting the track on 12-inch vinyl for dancefloors. In 2015, singer Joe Hester recorded a faithful yet energetic cover, shared widely on platforms like . More contemporary takes include the Epic Party Band's live-style rendition for event performances and BAEBY ALEX's modern cover, blending nostalgia with updated production. Beyond full recreations, the track has seen adaptations in media evoking nostalgia, including live performances on shows like in 1981. Recent remixes, such as the David Kust Remix in 2025, continue to refresh the song for streaming and club audiences.

Raven-Symoné version

Production and release

's cover of "Double Dutch Bus" was produced by the songwriting and production team , with additional production handled by Bill Jabr. The track was created specifically for the to the 2008 Disney film , in which Symoné starred as the lead character Melanie Porter. Recording took place under the auspices of , aligning with Symoné's ongoing association with Disney's music division. The production modernized the original 1981 funk song by , incorporating contemporary hip-hop beats and R&B vocal arrangements while preserving the playful "izz" infix that defined the source material. Symoné delivered the lead vocals, infusing the track with her signature energetic style suited to a younger audience. This update transformed the nostalgic party anthem into a fresh, dance-oriented piece tailored for the film's promotional needs. The single was released digitally on March 4, 2008, through Hollywood Records, serving as the lead track from both the College Road Trip soundtrack and Symoné's self-titled fourth studio album later that year. It was positioned as a tie-in to boost the film's visibility, capitalizing on Symoné's established fanbase from Disney Channel programming.

Music video

The music video for Raven-Symoné's version of "Double Dutch Bus" was directed by Patrick Hoelck and premiered on on February 18, 2008, serving as a promotional for the film's release. Filmed in early 2008, the video centers on a colorful party bus where , dressed in schoolgirl attire, leads a group of dancers in choreographed Double Dutch jumps and routines. The high-energy, kid-friendly production incorporates vibrant graphics and animated bus route maps that visually echo the song's lyrics about boarding the "Double Dutch Bus." makes a , joined by other stars, adding to the festive atmosphere. With a runtime of 3:45, the video captures the playful spirit of the track through dynamic visuals and group performances.

Reception

Raven-Symoné's cover of "Double Dutch Bus," released in 2008 as the lead single from her self-titled album and featured prominently in the film , achieved modest commercial performance. The song received limited radio airplay on urban and pop stations aimed at younger demographics but did not attain major positions. The associated film, in which the track serves as a key musical sequence, grossed $45.6 million in the United States and and $51.5 million worldwide, contributing to the single's visibility through promotional tie-ins. No certifications were awarded to the single. Critically, the version was lauded in Disney-oriented outlets for its lively tribute to the original and its role in inspiring and empowering young audiences with upbeat, inclusive themes. However, broader reviews described it as derivative and somewhat forced within the film's , prioritizing pop promotion over seamless integration. For instance, CinemaBlend called the sing-along jarring despite recognizing its intent as a fun road-trip moment. On a cultural level, the cover increased awareness of double Dutch jump rope activities and the 1981 original among Generation Z viewers, leveraging the film's family-friendly appeal and Raven-Symoné's established Disney persona. The music video, blending performance footage with movie clips, has accumulated over 350,000 views on YouTube since its 2009 upload, reflecting sustained niche interest. By embedding the track in College Road Trip's promotion, it effectively reintroduced Frankie Smith's hit to a new generation of fans.

References

  1. https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/-izzle
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.