February 15, 2000, marks a pivotal moment in music history with the release of Sisqó’s iconic “Thong Song.” This infectious pop anthem not only dominated the charts but continues to be a cultural touchstone over two decades later. However, behind the scenes lies a more complex narrative involving rights, royalties, and unexpected twists in the music industry.
A Song Is Born
The creation of “Thong Song” can be traced back to renowned producers Tim Kelley and Bob Robinson, known collectively as “Tim & Bob.” Their illustrious careers have included hits for legendary artists like Monica, Boyz II Men, TLC, and Madonna. Having earned back-to-back Grammys for Best R&B Album—first for Boyz II Men’s “II” in 1994 and then for TLC’s “CrazySexyCool” in 1995—the duo was at the height of their success.
In 1996, Baltimore-based ensemble Dru Hill released their self-titled debut album, which went platinum on the strength of chart-topping singles such as “In My Bed” and “Never Make a Promise.” Their follow-up, “Enter the Dru,” released in 1998, continued this success with the hit “How Deep Is Your Love,” featured in the credits of the blockbuster film “Rush Hour.”
Despite their escalating fame, a member named Woody Rock departed the group in 1999, prompting Sisqó to approach their manager Kenneth Crear about launching a solo career. He hoped that success as a solo artist would reignite interest in Dru Hill, a prediction that ultimately came true.
Crear enlisted Tim & Bob to produce what would become Sisqó’s debut solo album, “Unleash the Dragon,” released in November 1999, alongside the moderately successful lead single “Got to Get It.”
The Evolution of “Thong Song”
While writing the lyrics, Sisqó drew inspiration from a night spent with a woman wearing a red thong, crafting a song that narrates the evening’s events in explicit detail. This candid approach became a hallmark of the track, leading to its memorable hook.
During the recording sessions, Tim & Bob cautioned Sisqó about obtaining permission to use elements from Ricky Martin’s hit “Livin’ La Vida Loca,” a move he felt confident about as he claimed to be on friendly terms with Martin. However, the required permissions were ultimately overseen by the songwriter Desmond Child.
The Desmond Child Connection
Desmond Child is a prolific songwriter, known for numerous chart-topping hits across various decades. For Ricky Martin, he wrote the powerhouse singles “The Cup of Life” and “Livin’ La Vida Loca.” When “Thong Song” was released, Child’s lawyers reached out to Def Jam, the label of Sisqó’s album “Unleash the Dragon,” due to the unapproved use of the lyrics.
Negotiations for rights and royalties ensued for months. If Sisqó had approached Child before the track’s overwhelming success, he could have settled for a modest fee. Instead, Child leveraged the song’s popularity to secure a significant share of its publishing rights.
Ultimately, Desmond Child received a major portion of the royalties from “Thong Song,” leaving Tim, Bob, and Sisqó with drastically reduced earnings. Despite this shock to their finances, Sisqó remains unbothered by the experience. His solo career waned, but Dru Hill reunited as he envisioned, and he continues to perform, including at his own wedding.
The Lessons Learned
This narrative echoes a similar scenario involving Puff Daddy and Sting with the hit “I’ll Be Missing You,” underscoring the importance of securing permissions before a song’s release. The key takeaways from these stories include:
- Always obtain permission before a song skyrockets in popularity.
- Ensure that all contributors receive appropriate credit and compensation.
Meet William, a proud Bethel University alumnus with a fervent passion for lifestyle and culture topics. His keen interest doesn’t stop there; he’s also deeply engrossed in current events of all kinds. William dedicates himself wholeheartedly to this site, thriving on the collaborative energy he shares with Suzanne, his long-standing partner in crime.
Having navigated their university courses side by side for years, their teamwork on the site is nothing short of dynamic. Together, they bring a unique blend of insights, proving that two heads are indeed better than one in delivering compelling content.
