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Wordy Rappinghood
Wordy Rappinghood
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"Wordy Rappinghood"
Single by Tom Tom Club
from the album Tom Tom Club
B-side
  • "Elephant" (UK)
  • "Spooks" (US)
Released1981 (UK)
May 1982 (US)[1][page needed]
Genre
Length6:27
Label
Songwriters
Producers
  • Steven Stanley
  • Tina Weymouth
  • Chris Frantz
Tom Tom Club singles chronology
"Wordy Rappinghood"
(1981)
"Genius of Love"
(1981)
Audio
"Wordy Rappinghood" on YouTube

"Wordy Rappinghood" is the debut single by American new wave band Tom Tom Club, from their 1981 self-titled debut album. It uses part of a traditional Moroccan children's song and game, "A Ram Sam Sam", made popular by the 1971 Rolf Harris recording. In the United States, the song topped the Billboard Disco Top 80 chart along with "Genius of Love".

Structure, instrumentation and production

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The song opens with the sound of a typewriter and features jarring synthesizer chords and a distinctive drum break. The words of the fifth verse are spoken in French: "Mots pressés, mots sensés, mots qui disent la vérité, mots maudits, mots mentis, mots qui manquent le fruit d'esprit"[6] which translate as: "hurried words, sensible words, words that tell the truth, cursed words, lying words, words that lack the fruit of the mind."

Tina Weymouth and Chris Frantz had relocated to Nassau, Bahamas. A neighbor, Chris Blackwell, owner of Island Records, invited them to record at his Compass Point Studios. Frantz and Weymouth co-opted Steven Stanley, a keyboard player who had worked as the sound engineer on Ian Dury's album Lord Upminster, and Monte Browne, a bass player formerly with T-Connection.[7]

Track listings

[edit]
  • US 12" single[8]
A. "Wordy Rappinghood" (Special 12" Version) – 6:39
B. "Spooks" – 6:28
  • European 7" single[9]
A. "Wordy Rappinghood" – 3:50
B. "Wordy Rappinghood" (You Don't Ever Stop) – 4:05
  • European 12" single[9]
A. "Wordy Rappinghood" (Remix) – 6:42
B. "Elephant" – 5:11

Chart performance

[edit]

Chicks on Speed version

[edit]
"Wordy Rappinghood"
Single by Chicks on Speed
from the album 99 Cents
Released2003
Length6:26
LabelChicks on Speed
Songwriters
  • Tina Weymouth
  • Chris Frantz
  • Steven Stanley
ProducerGlove
Chicks on Speed singles chronology
"We Don't Play Guitars"
(2003)
"Wordy Rappinghood"
(2003)
"Flame On"
(2004)
Music video
"Wordy Rappinghood" on YouTube

"Wordy Rappinghood" was covered by German electroclash group Chicks on Speed and released as the second single from their album 99 Cents in 2003. Their version featured guest vocals by other female musicians such as Miss Kittin, Kevin Blechdom, Le Tigre, Adult.'s Nicola Kuperus, and Tom Tom Club founding member Tina Weymouth.[23]

This cover was sampled in the song "Really Rappin' Something" by the Kleptones from the album From Detroit to J.A. in 2005. In 2007, the Playgroup remix of Chicks on Speed's version appeared on the compilation album FabricLive.33 by Spank Rock.[24]

Critical reception

[edit]

Christopher Lloyd of Drowned in Sound described the song as an "ultra-catchy seven minute dancefloor killer".[25]

Track listings

[edit]
  • European CD maxi single[26]
  1. "Wordy Rappinghood" (Radio Edit) – 4:20
  2. "Wordy Rappinghood" (The Playgroup Remix) – 5:23
  3. "Wordy Rappinghood" (Dave Clarke's Non Techno Mix) – 3:37
  4. "Wordy Rappinghood" (The Playgroup Instrumental Mix) – 5:24
  5. "Wordy Rappinghood" (music video)
  • German 12" single[27]
A1. "Wordy Rappinghood" (Album Mix) – 6:26
A2. "Wordy Rappinghood" (Acapella Version) – 4:10
B1. "Wordy Rappinghood" (The Playgroup Remix) – 5:23
B2. "Wordy Rappinghood" (Dave Clarke's Non Techno Mix) – 3:37

Charts

[edit]
Weekly chart performance for "Wordy Rappinghood" by Chicks on Speed
Chart (2003–2004) Peak
position
Belgium Dance (Ultratop Flanders)[28] 5
Scotland Singles (OCC)[29] 72
UK Singles (OCC)[30] 66
UK Dance (OCC)[31] 4

Uffie version

[edit]
"Wordy Rappinghood"
Single by Uffie
Released2011
Length3:08
Label
Songwriters
  • Tina Weymouth
  • Chris Frantz
  • Steven Stanley
ProducerDJ Mehdi
Uffie singles chronology
"Difficult"
(2010)
"Wordy Rappinghood"
(2011)
"Drugs"
(2018)

French-American electronic artist Uffie covered the song in 2011. The single, produced by labelmate DJ Mehdi, was released on April 18, 2011, through Ed Banger Records, Because Music and Elektra Records.[32] Her version was used in a global Evian ad campaign.[33]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
"Wordy Rappinghood" is the debut single by the American new wave and band , released in as the lead track from their self-titled debut album. Formed as a side project by members (bass) and (drums), the band recorded the song during an experimental session at in , with co-writer and producer . The track features Weymouth delivering a playful rap about the power and limitations of words, incorporating a frantic , broken French phrases like "Mots pressés, mots sensés," and a childhood chant—""—sung by Weymouth and her sisters. Blending hip-hop, , and new wave influences, it is recognized as one of the earliest rap songs released by a major label. Commercially, "Wordy Rappinghood" achieved significant success on dance charts, topping the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart for one week in January 1982 and reaching No. 1 in Belgium (Flanders), while peaking at No. 7 in the UK, No. 5 in France, No. 2 in the Netherlands, No. 44 in Australia, and No. 102 on the US Billboard Bubbling Under the Hot 100. The single's release propelled the Tom Tom Club album to No. 23 on the Billboard 200 and gold certification by May 1982, outselling Talking Heads' debut album at the time. Notable for its innovative sampling—including elements from traditional folk tunes like and as well as an IBM electric sound—the song has been sampled in tracks like Common's 2002 "New Wave" and covered by in 2003. Its energetic groove and established Tom Tom Club's signature style, influencing the crossover of rap into mainstream pop and .

Original version by Tom Tom Club

Background and development

Tom Tom Club was formed in 1980 by members and during a hiatus from their main band, when began work on a solo album, prompting the couple to pursue their own creative outlet for financial and artistic reasons. Motivated by a desire for creative freedom away from ' art-rock style, they sought to explore , , and the emerging hip-hop scene, drawing inspiration from New York City's vibrant club culture and rap performances. This shift allowed Weymouth and Frantz to craft a more playful, dance-oriented sound reflective of their record collections, which included , R&B, reggae, and nascent rap music. The band's initial recording sessions took place at in , starting in late 1980, where they aimed to produce material for a potential single amid the island's relaxed atmosphere and local musical influences. There, they recruited Bahamian producer and engineer as co-writer and co-producer, along with other local session musicians known as the Compass Point All-Stars, under the guidance of founder . These sessions marked a deliberate departure from ' tense, angular grooves toward festive, escapist tracks designed for New York dancefloors like the Mud Club and . "Wordy Rappinghood" emerged as the first track recorded by during these early sessions, conceived as their debut single and embodying the band's new direction through its emphasis on rhythmic wordplay and rap-like delivery. Inspired by the freestyle energy of New York City's rap scenes, the song's lyrics were primarily written by Weymouth, who drew from personal frustrations with language and communication, centering on the hook "What are words worth?". Contributions from Weymouth's sisters, Lani and Laura, added key elements: Lani provided the playful "A ram sam sam" chant from a traditional Moroccan learned in childhood, while Laura contributed backing vocals to enhance the track's communal, chant-like feel. A rough mix played to Blackwell secured immediate approval for release, solidifying the song's role in launching the band's identity.

Recording and production

The recording of "Wordy Rappinghood" took place at Compass Point Studios in Nassau, Bahamas, during sessions spanning late 1980 into March 1981, as part of the debut Tom Tom Club album. These sessions marked the band's first foray into the studio as a side project, with Chris Blackwell of Island Records providing access to the facility after initial delays. The track was the first song recorded, beginning with basic rhythm beds laid down over a three-day period in Studio B. Production was led by and , with co-production and engineering handled by the 23-year-old , who also contributed keyboards and advised on technical elements like bass EQ to ensure clarity in the mix. provided bass and lead vocals, including improvised rap sections, while handled drums; guest vocalists Lani and Laura Weymouth added harmonies for the hook, drawing from a childhood . The core rhythm track—featuring drums, bass, and initial guitar from Monte Brown—was captured live with no overdubs to preserve its raw energy, emphasizing a loose, improvisational vibe reflective of the island setting. Techniques blended live instrumentation, such as purchased locally and layered percussion, with early electronic touches like synthesizers for rhythmic support, all multi-tracked on a 24-track setup with extensive bouncing to build the arrangement. Vocals were overdubbed in layers to enhance the rap and choral elements, creating a playful, danceable texture inspired by New York club scenes but infused with Bahamian relaxation. The version runs 6:27, while the single was edited to approximately 4:00 for radio play, tightening the structure without losing the spontaneous feel.

Composition, lyrics, and instrumentation

"Wordy Rappinghood" employs a verse-chorus structure augmented by extended rap verses that dominate its six-minute runtime, creating a dynamic progression from minimalist rhythmic foundations to fuller, layered choruses with call-and-response elements. The track maintains a steady of 123 beats per minute in the key of , fostering a danceable groove that aligns with early new wave and influences. This build-up begins with sparse percussion and bass before incorporating vocal overlays and percussive accents, such as typewriter-like sounds, to heighten its playful energy. The lyrics, credited to , Lani Weymouth, Laura Weymouth, , and , revolve around themes of language, communication, and linguistic absurdity through whimsical and repetitive questioning like "What are words worth?". Drawing inspiration from a traditional Moroccan and game called "" that the Weymouth sisters sang in their youth, the chorus integrates rhythmic, nonsensical phrases such as "a ram sam sam, guli guli" to evoke childlike fun. The extended rap sections, delivered in a style by , prioritize rhythmic flow and humor over coherent storytelling, featuring lines like "I can't begin to find the right words to say" to underscore the song's meta-commentary on expression. Instrumentally, the track centers on a prominent bass groove laid down by , which provides the funky backbone, complemented by straightforward drum patterns from , including added for texture. Keyboard elements, handled during the rhythm bed sessions, offer subtle fills that enhance the new wave aesthetic without overpowering the groove. Backing vocals from Laura and Lani Weymouth introduce harmonious call-and-response dynamics in the choruses, while the absence of lead guitars—intentional to diverge from ' sound—keeps the focus on percussion and bass-driven propulsion, though by Monte Brown was incorporated later in overdubs. As one of the earliest instances of white artists incorporating rap into a mainstream release, "Wordy Rappinghood" exemplifies proto-rap experimentation within a new wave and framework, predating broader hip-hop crossovers like Blondie's "" and emphasizing joyful absurdity through its improvised, nonsensical delivery.

Release formats and track listings

"Wordy Rappinghood" was released in 1981 as the debut single from Tom Tom Club's self-titled debut album, issued by . The track appears on the album in a version running 6:27. The single was primarily distributed on vinyl in 7-inch and 12-inch formats, with variations across regions including the , , , , and . Common configurations featured the standard mix on the A-side and a dub or version on the B-side for the 7-inch, while 12-inch editions included extended mixes and additional tracks. No official was produced for the original release.
FormatCountryLabel/CatalogA-SideDurationB-SideDuration
7" VinylUKIsland WIP 6694Wordy Rappinghood3:48(You Don’t Stop) Wordy Rappinghood4:05
7" VinylNetherlandsIsland 103.261Wordy Rappinghood3:50(You Don’t Ever Stop) Wordy Rappinghood4:05
7" VinylUSSire SRE 49813Wordy Rappinghood3:48(You Don’t Ever Stop) Wordy Rappinghood4:05
12" VinylUKIsland 12WIP 6694Wordy Rappinghood (Extended)6:31Elephant5:11
12" VinylUSSire DSRE 49817Wordy Rappinghood (Special 12" Version)6:39(You Don’t Stop) Wordy Rappinghood (Dub)6:42
Regional variations included picture sleeves for pressings and promotional copies in the featuring a of approximately 3:50. The song has been reissued on later compilations and deluxe album editions, such as the 2009 expanded reissue of .

Commercial performance

"Wordy Rappinghood" achieved moderate success on the charts, primarily in the dance music category. It, along with "," topped the Dance Club Songs chart for one week in January 1982. The track did not enter the but reached number 102 on the chart, reflecting strong club and radio play without mainstream pop crossover. It did not chart on the chart. Internationally, the single performed strongly in and select markets. In the , it peaked at number 7 on the Official Singles Chart and spent 9 weeks in the Top 100. The song reached number 2 on the , with 10 weeks on the chart. It topped the Belgian chart (for 1 week) and spent 12 weeks on the chart. It entered the Top 40 at number 35 for 8 weeks. It also peaked at number 44 in and number 9 in .
CountryPeak PositionWeeks on Chart
United States (Dance Club Songs)11
United States (Bubbling Under Hot 100)102
79
210
112
358
44
9
The single contributed to the commercial momentum of Tom Tom Club's debut album, which received RIAA Gold certification for 500,000 units sold in the , though the single itself received no formal certifications. Global sales figures for the single are not publicly detailed, but its chart success underscored its popularity in and new wave circuits by 1982.

Reception and legacy

Critical response

Upon its release in 1981, "Wordy Rappinghood" received positive attention from music critics for its playful fusion of new wave and early rap elements. included the track among the best songs of the year, praising its innovative and infectious that captured the era's experimental spirit. Similarly, of awarded the parent album Tom Tom Club a B+ grade, noting that while he was initially "vaguely annoyed by 'Wordy Rappinghood's' arch, prolix postverbalism," its funky groove ultimately won him over as a highlight of the record's lighthearted energy. Retrospective reviews have emphasized the song's proto-rap qualities and enduring appeal. AllMusic's four-out-of-five-star assessment of the album highlights "Wordy Rappinghood" as "one of the best examples of the joys of lyrics and funky beats," crediting its multilingual and rhythmic experimentation with bridging punk-funk and hip-hop influences. Bassist , a co-founder of , has reflected on the song's origins as an impromptu experiment during sessions in , where the group improvised around a childhood without preconceived , resulting in its whimsical, multilingual structure. Some early critics viewed the track as lightweight compared to ' more cerebral output, yet a consensus has formed around its timeless charm as a fun, innovative single that gained visibility through its UK Top 10 chart performance. The song's role in blending new wave and rap has been analyzed in ' 2006 book Rip It Up and Start Again: Postpunk 1978-1984, where it exemplifies post-punk's evolution into playful genre fusions during the early .

Cultural impact and influence

"Wordy Rappinghood" played a pivotal role in the early fusion of new wave and hip-hop, emerging as one of the first mainstream rap tracks performed by white artists just months after Blondie's "" in 1981. The song's playful spoken-word style and rhythmic experimentation helped introduce rap elements to broader pop audiences, predating the full commercial explosion of hip-hop and influencing subsequent crossovers in the . Its release marked a significant moment in music history, showcasing how artists from the New York scene like and adapted urban sounds into accessible, dance-oriented formats. The track's enduring influence is evident in its sampling by later artists, with at least 12 songs incorporating elements from it, including Common's "New Wave" (2002), which drew on its rhythmic structure, and C+C Music Factory's "Oooh Baby" (1990). These uses highlight its foundational impact on hip-hop production and , as noted in discussions of early 1980s club culture where tracks like this one thrived independently of their origins. Additionally, "Wordy Rappinghood" has inspired covers by numerous artists and appeared in media, such as the 1986 short film The Wordy Rappinghood, which features titles set to its music celebrating language play. The song's success elevated Tom Tom Club's profile, enabling their sustained independent career and recognition in hip-hop histories for bridging genres before rap's dominance. Anniversary reissues, including a 2009 deluxe edition with remixes like the Kid Ginseng version of "Wordy Rappinghood," have kept its legacy alive for new generations.

Cover versions

Chicks on Speed version

In 2003, the German group , founded by visual artists Melissa Logan and Alex Murray-Leslie at the Art Academy in 1997, included a cover of "Wordy Rappinghood" on their third studio album, 99 Cents, released through their own label, Chicks on Speed Records. The track reinterprets the original's proto-rap style through the group's signature blend of , , and electronic music, featuring Logan's and Murray-Leslie's eccentric vocals over glitchy, minimalist electronics that emphasize their multimedia ethos. The cover shortens and transforms the song into a 6:26 album version heavy on synthesizers, dance-friendly beats, and lo-fi fuzz, while retaining the lyrics about the value of words but infusing them with the group's playful, subversive attitude rooted in and anti-rockist sentiments. Produced and mixed at Apollo Studio in , it pairs slick synth work with live instrumentation elements, creating a seamless electronic reproduction that updates the original for the era. Guest vocals appear from collaborators Anki Lepper and Inga Humpe, adding layered rap delivery to the track's rhythmic drive. The single was issued in 2003 across multiple formats, including a 12-inch vinyl (45 RPM) and enhanced CD maxi-single, both on Chicks on Speed Records with distribution in via PIAS Benelux. Track listings featured the album mix alongside remixes such as The Playgroup Remix (5:23) and Dave Clarke's Non Mix (3:37), with an acapella version (4:10) highlighting the vocal interplay. A , directed by Deborah Schamoni and produced by Smozcek Policzek, accompanied the release in 2004, visually capturing the group's DIY aesthetic through collage-like imagery and performance elements. Critics praised the cover for reviving the original's playful spirit within a contemporary electronic framework. described it as an "impressive reproduction" that continues Chicks on Speed's tradition of "fantastic covers," noting its seamless pairing of electronic programming and live playing. The contextualized the track within the album's broader approach, highlighting how the group "pollut[es] pop with " through such reinterpretations. echoed this, positioning 99 Cents—and by extension the cover—as a bold electro-pop statement that blends art-school experimentation with club-ready energy.

Uffie version

French-American electronic artist (born Anna-Carina Bakayoko) released a cover of "Wordy Rappinghood" as a single on April 18, 2011, through . Produced by labelmate , the track was created as part of Uffie's affiliation with the influential Ed Banger collective, known for its energetic French electro scene. The cover emerged following her debut album Sex Dreams and Denim Jeans (2010), serving as a standalone release that highlighted her playful approach to reinterpretation. Titled the "Evian Mix," it tied into a sponsorship with the water brand, featuring the song in promotional advertisements. Clocking in at 3:18, Uffie's version transforms the original into an electro-house track with club-ready beats, auto-tuned vocals, and a heightened party atmosphere that shifts emphasis from intricate wordplay to infectious dance energy. The production incorporates pulsating synths and a driving rhythm, aligning with Ed Banger's signature sound while paying homage to the song's foundational role in early dance music. Uffie's delivery adds a modern, sassy edge, making it suitable for contemporary club settings. The single was issued digitally, including the Evian Mix as the lead track alongside B-side remixes to extend its appeal in DJ sets. A music video, integrated into the campaign, showcased fashion-forward elements with in stylish attire amid vibrant, playful visuals that complemented the track's upbeat vibe. The release connected to 's 2011 touring schedule, where she performed material from her catalog, including this cover, to promote her evolving electro persona. Critics praised the cover for its lively reinterpretation, with Nialler9 describing it as an "infectious fun" track produced by that faithfully nods to the original's dance roots. The version underscored her ability to blend nostalgia with contemporary club aesthetics, contributing to Ed Banger's reputation for innovative covers.

Other notable covers

In addition to the more widely recognized versions, "Wordy Rappinghood" has been adapted in several lesser-known but noteworthy ways, reflecting its enduring appeal across diverse musical styles. French experimental group Ptôse Production released an adaptation titled "W Rap" in 1983 on their album Poisson Soluble, reinterpreting the track through a and noise-infused lens that emphasized abstract electronics over the original's playful rhythms. Japanese lounge act Hair Stylistics offered a relaxed, bossa nova-tinged cover in 1999, featured on their Lounge-a-Palooza, which transformed the song's energetic into a smooth, cocktail-hour vibe suitable for chill-out compilations. Cantopop singer included an English-language rendition on her 2006 Hit Me, blending the track's quirky lyrics with contemporary pop production elements that aligned with her dance-oriented style in the local scene. Japanese singer Shiho Nanba covered the song in 2012, incorporating it into her pop repertoire. The Japanese group Kit Cat released a version titled "Oshaberi Majo" in 2015, adapting the lyrics into Japanese for an electronic pop context. According to databases like SecondHandSongs and WhoSampled, the song has inspired at least 8 documented covers by other artists, many appearing on niche tribute compilations dedicated to Tom Tom Club's catalog, underscoring its cult status among alternative and electronic music enthusiasts despite limited mainstream chart penetration for these adaptations.

References

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