When Afroman dropped “Because I Got High” in 2000, it wasn’t just a song; it was an instant cultural phenomenon. Becoming the quintessential stoner anthem, it resonated with a generation, soundtracking countless smoke sessions and carefree drives. Fast forward 14 years, and Afroman reimagined his hit with a twist, releasing a new version that surprisingly took a political stance. This evolution of the “I Got High Song” reveals a fascinating journey, reflecting changing attitudes towards cannabis and the enduring power of music to carry a message.
This unexpected remix was born from a collaboration between Weedmaps and NORML, two prominent pro-marijuana organizations. Afroman, now their “brand ambassador,” became the face of this campaign. The music video for this updated “i got high song” portrays a more mature Afroman cruising through Los Angeles, still laid-back but now rapping about the benefits of cannabis.
The lyrics highlight supposed positive outcomes:
I had problems with glaucoma, but then I got high
Smelled a cannabis aroma, and I got high
Glaucoma’s getting better, and I know why (why, man?)
Because I got high, because I got high, because I got high
This new “i got high song” flipped the script. The original portrayed weed as a source of comical mishaps and unproductive behavior. Now, cannabis was rebranded as a catalyst for positive change – going to college, overcoming alcohol abuse, and even funding education. It was as if Afroman had become the spokesperson for the pro-cannabis lobby, all thanks to his “i got high song.”
Kat Smith, CMO of Weedmaps, explained the timing of the release, aligning it with crucial ballot initiatives on marijuana legalization in Alaska, Oregon, Washington D.C., and medical marijuana in Florida in November 2014. “Right now, we’re really looking at this as a ‘legalization anthem,’ and we hope it brings people out to the vote for the November elections,” Smith stated. “Afroman spreads the good love about marijuana and how it can inspires you to do cool things.” This strategic use of the “i got high song” aimed to transform public perception and mobilize voters.
Sabrina Fendrick, spokesperson for NORML, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the song’s cross-generational appeal. “This is a well-known anthem that is very famous across generations,” she noted. “It’s something we’ve all kind of grown up with. It just seemed like a really good opportunity to challenge the old stereotype.” Leveraging the nostalgia and familiarity of the “i got high song” was a clever tactic to reach a broad audience with a message of reform.
However, some questioned if Afroman was the ideal figure to “rebrand” marijuana. A high school dropout who seemingly embodied the stoner stereotype, he appeared an unconventional choice. Yet, perhaps this was the point. Maybe mainstream acceptance didn’t require a squeaky-clean image. Even Martha Stewart, hardly a counter-culture icon, had demonstrated joint-rolling skills.
When asked about the new lyrics and their themes, Afroman admitted they stemmed from “research,” not personal experience. “I know what marijuana does for me personally, but I really wanted to know what scientists and people have discovered about it,” Afroman explained. “It’s informative. It’s educational. I learned a lot myself, and I think people need to learn about it. So let’s ponder. Let’s think.” This indicated a conscious effort to move beyond personal anecdotes and present a more informed perspective within his “i got high song.”
The original “Because I Got High” achieved viral fame long before social media dominance. Its journey began organically, spreading through internet sharing and platforms like Napster. Radio airplay and major label recognition followed after its online explosion. Universal Records signed Afroman, re-releasing the track on the album The Good Times. The song achieved massive commercial success, selling over 1.5 million copies, earning a Grammy nomination, and becoming the unofficial song of the summer of 2001. Afroman himself recounted the song’s spontaneous creation, stating it took “two minutes and 11 seconds to write. Some chronic weed inspired it.” This raw, relatable origin story contributed to the “i got high song’s” authenticity and appeal.
“Because I Got High” undeniably launched Afroman’s career. “It put me on the map,” he reflected. “Everybody knew about me. It was almost unreal. That song was like the Macarena or something.” His popularity surged, particularly among college students. Subsequent albums like Waiting to Inhale, Drunk ‘n’ High, Marijuana Music, and Pot Head Pimp solidified his association with cannabis culture. While he explored other themes in his music, the “i got high song” remained his defining hit, overshadowing his extensive discography.
The original “i got high song’s” success lay in its dual appeal. It resonated with both cannabis enthusiasts and those holding more traditional views. The exaggerated lyrics humorously depicted the stereotypical stoner’s lack of motivation and responsibility. The line “I messed up my entire life because I got high” became iconic, ironically encapsulating the perceived downsides of cannabis use.
Yet, Afroman’s life was far from “messed up.” The song brought him fame and fortune. This ironic contrast was further highlighted when a judge in Massachusetts sentenced a teenager caught with marijuana to listen to “Because I Got High” and write a report on its consequences. The judge even labeled it a “stupid rap song,” citing the lyric: “Now, I’m a quadriplegic and I know why / Because I got high.” This incident underscored the song’s unintended interpretation as an anti-drug message.
Afroman maintained that the song was intended as lighthearted entertainment. “I was just having a good time writing the song,” he explained. “I was just young and having fun. I was ignorant of the fact that someone cared!” He described it as “kind of like a slap your knee around the campfire having a good time. It is a stew. It’s like a gumbo.” This casual, storytelling approach was central to the original “i got high song’s” charm.
In 2009, Afroman revisited his signature track again, releasing a remake on his album Frobama: Head of State. This version featured a smoother, slower, “easy listening” instrumental arrangement. The lyrics were updated to reflect contemporary stoner struggles, including tax evasion:
I was gonna pay the IRS, but then I got high
Write ’em a check, I guess, but then I got high
They took off my underwear, and I know why
Because I got high, because I got high
However, this remake, like the original, didn’t necessarily promote responsible cannabis use. It continued the theme of weed-induced mishaps, opening with sounds of munching and coughing, and including nonsensical lyrics like “A E I O U and sometimes W, because I’m high, because I’m high, because I’m high.” This repetition further cemented the “i got high song” as a humorous, if not entirely serious, take on cannabis culture.
By 2011, Afroman, still riding the wave of his decade-old hit, faced real-world consequences related to his stoner persona. Booked for a concert in Columbus, Ohio, he famously no-showed. The venue served him lawsuit papers on April 20th – 4/20, the unofficial holiday of cannabis culture. This incident underscored the complex relationship between Afroman, his “i got high song,” and the stoner image he cultivated.
Since then, Afroman appears to have entered a new phase. Living in Ohio, where cannabis legalization was gaining momentum, he focused on music with broader themes. His album The N-Word signaled a shift away from cannabis-centric topics. Songs like “Call Me Something Good,” explored the history of racial slurs, demonstrating a more serious and socially conscious direction.
Afroman also revealed a vast catalog of unreleased music, claiming to have “stockpiled so that I’d never run out.” Whether focused on cannabis or broader subjects, Afroman’s musical output, sparked by the initial inspiration of his “i got high song,” continues to evolve, showcasing the unexpected journey of a stoner anthem that became something much more.
