When exploring the vast landscape of one-hit wonders and novelty songs, some tracks unexpectedly linger in the cultural consciousness. One such song that resurfaced through a random hit generator is “Laffy Taffy” by D4L. Upon initial encounter, the lyrics, repeating “Girl, shake dat laffy taffy,” might seem simplistic, even jarring. This 2005 number-one hit, released during a time when the author was actively listening to the radio, somehow completely escaped their notice. This raises a question: why hasn’t this undeniably catchy, albeit repetitive, track spawned more cover versions, especially given the 2000s’ penchant for novelty rap covers in genres like folk and indie-pop?
Laffy Taffy single cover featuring the D4L logo and candy pieces, as discussed in an article about cover songs.
D4L, an Atlanta-based rap collective, is primarily known for “Laffy Taffy,” their most commercially successful song from their debut album. Despite the success of the single, the group remained largely a one-hit wonder, with member Shawty Lo later pursuing a solo career. The early 2000s were ripe for ironic and genre-bending covers, think Dynamite Hack’s rock rendition of “Boyz-N-The-Hood,” The Gourds’ bluegrass take on “Gin & Juice,” or the pop-infused rap covers by Karmin. “Laffy Taffy,” with its repetitive hook and playful nature, would seemingly be an ideal candidate for similar reinterpretations.
While a quick search reveals some amateur YouTube attempts, often featuring kids playfully riffing on the track or heavier rock versions with questionable audio quality typical of garage bands, few have gained significant traction. One exception is a short, 30-second rendition by YouTuber Duke Dennis, which inexplicably amassed half a million views, highlighting the song’s enduring, if ironic, appeal and the power of online personality.
However, amidst the шутливый covers, two versions stand out for their creativity and musicality. The first is a performance by the marching band at Grambling State University, a historically Black university in Louisiana. The song’s simple riff structure translates surprisingly well to the tuba and drums, creating a compelling and energetic instrumental. The performance is particularly engaging when the band members transition from playing to enthusiastically shouting the song’s nonsensical lyrics, showcasing the track’s infectious energy.
Perhaps the most intriguing cover is a Bandcamp upload by Jazzmyn Coker, also known as jazzoolazz. This acoustic rendition features Coker on guitar and piano, accompanied by a friend on harmonies (or possibly multi-tracked vocals). While clearly intended as a lighthearted take, their performance imbues the song with an unexpected melody and charm. The acoustic arrangement strips away the original’s production, revealing a surprisingly pleasant underlying musicality, proving that even novelty songs can be reimagined in genuinely engaging ways. These diverse covers, from marching band exuberance to acoustic intimacy, demonstrate the unexpected staying power and reinterpretive potential of the “Laffy Taffy” song, far beyond its initial novelty rap context.
