The Enduring Groove Of Frankie Smith's Double Dutch Bus

Have you ever found yourself tapping your foot, maybe even bobbing your head, to a tune that just feels right? A song that, you know, has a beat that makes you want to move? For many, that feeling comes alive with the classic track, "Double Dutch Bus" by Frankie Smith. This song, released way back in 1981, is still very much a part of music conversations today, and it's rather interesting how it all came together.

It's not just a song; it's a piece of music history that shows how a catchy tune can, in some respects, bridge different musical styles. This particular funk song by Frankie Smith ended up becoming a real hip hop classic, shaping dance moves and laying down a foundational sound for many artists who came after. It's truly quite a special record.

We're going to take a closer look at this unforgettable tune, exploring its roots, its unique language, and the playful game that gave it its name. You might be surprised by just how much influence this one song has had, and how it continues to resonate with listeners, even now. So, just a little bit of history here for you.

Table of Contents

Frankie Smith: The Artist and His Sound

Frankie Smith, the musical mind behind "Double Dutch Bus," was someone who had been involved in music for a good while before this particular song became a hit. He wasn't exactly new to the scene when his most famous track came out. He was best known, as a matter of fact, for this very 1981 hit single.

His work on "Double Dutch Bus" truly showed off his unique approach to funk music. It was a sound that, you know, stood out from what many others were doing at the time. This song was a real showcase for his creativity and his ability to blend catchy rhythms with playful lyrical ideas.

Personal Details and Bio Data

Name:Frankie Smith
Known For:His 1981 hit single "Double Dutch Bus"
Genre:Funk (with significant influence on Hip Hop)
Notable Achievement:"Double Dutch Bus" certified gold
Career Highlight:Released from the album "Children of Tomorrow"

The Birth of a Bus and a Beat

"Double Dutch Bus" isn't just a catchy tune; it's a song with a rather interesting story behind it. It's about a bus, yes, but also about a popular game and a distinct way of speaking. The song begins with the line, "Ho! there's a double dutch bus coming down the street moving pretty fast so..." which immediately sets a lively scene, you know?

The whole idea for the song apparently came from combining two rather different things: a jump rope game and a bus company. It's a bit of a quirky combination, but it totally worked. This blend of everyday life elements with a funky beat is part of what made the song so memorable and, in a way, timeless.

The 'Izzle' Phenomenon

One of the most distinctive things about "Double Dutch Bus" is its use of a specific kind of slang. The song is famous for its extensive use of the "izz" infix form of language. This means adding "izzle" into words, like "shizzle" for "sure" or "hizzle" for "house." It's a playful way of speaking, and it gives the song a very unique feel, actually.

This "izzle" speak wasn't just a random choice; it became a defining characteristic of the song. It made the lyrics stand out and, in a way, made them even more engaging for listeners. It's truly a testament to how creative language can become a part of a song's identity.

The Double Dutch Connection

So, what exactly is the "double dutch" part all about? It refers to the popular game of double dutch, where two ropes are turned in opposite directions, and jumpers try to navigate them. This game, which often involves rhythmic chanting and quick footwork, has a natural connection to music and dance, you know?

The song's title and its references to the game create a feeling of energy and movement. It's like the bus itself is moving with the same kind of quick, rhythmic pace as the jump ropes. This clever link between the game and the bus is part of what makes the song so imaginative and, arguably, so enduring.

From Funk to Hip Hop: A Timeless Transition

"Double Dutch Bus" started out as a funk song, filled with those groovy basslines and danceable rhythms that define the genre. But its impact stretched far beyond funk, becoming a truly important piece in the story of hip hop music. This transformation, you know, is a big part of its lasting fame.

The song's infectious beat and unique vocal style made it a prime candidate for sampling by early hip hop artists. It provided a foundation, a sort of rhythmic bedrock, that many rappers could build their rhymes upon. This use in hip hop tracks helped solidify its place as a classic, basically.

It wasn't just the beat; the song's playful nature and the "izzle" speak also resonated with the emerging hip hop culture. It showed how music could be fun, experimental, and still have a strong message or a cool vibe. This crossover appeal is what truly made it a hip hop staple, and a bit of a phenomenon, really.

Many people who were learning to dance or just enjoying the early days of hip hop found themselves moving to the sounds of "Double Dutch Bus." It became, in a way, a soundtrack for a generation. Its influence on dance is pretty clear, as its rhythm practically invites movement and expression, you know?

You can find artists who sound similar to Frankie Smith, or songs that are related to "Double Dutch Bus," by looking into the early funk and hip hop scenes. There's a whole world of music connected to this track, and it's quite fascinating to explore. Learning more about this era of music on our site might be a good idea.

Riding the Bus to Gold and Beyond

The success of "Double Dutch Bus" was pretty clear from its sales. The song was certified gold, which means it sold a lot of copies. This achievement really showed just how popular and widely loved the track was when it first came out, you know, back in 1981.

Even after its initial run on the charts, the song kept finding new life through sampling. Other artists would take parts of "Double Dutch Bus" and use them in their own songs. This practice helped introduce the track to new audiences and kept its unique sound alive for decades, which is pretty cool.

You can find lots of information about the tracklist, credits, and even statistics for "Double Dutch Bus" by Frankie Smith. Exploring these details can give you a deeper appreciation for the song's creation and its journey. It's available on the album "Children of Tomorrow," which is a good place to start if you want to hear more of Frankie Smith's work.

People often compare different versions of the song or look to buy it on platforms like Discogs. This just goes to show how much people still appreciate and seek out this particular piece of music. It's like, the song just keeps on giving, in a way.

While Frankie Smith might be best known for this one major hit, its impact is undeniable. It's often talked about as a "one-hit wonder," but that label really doesn't capture the full scope of its influence. The song's legacy is far greater than just a single moment of fame; it continues to shape and inspire, even today, in 2024.

The Lasting Legacy of a Unique Groove

The "Double Dutch Bus" is more than just a catchy tune; it's a cultural touchstone. It represents a moment in time when funk was evolving and hip hop was just beginning to find its voice. The song's playful spirit, its clever use of language, and its undeniable rhythm have ensured its place in music history, you know?

It’s a song that makes you smile, and it reminds us that music can be fun and inventive all at once. The way it blends a children's game with street slang and a funky beat is truly special. It’s almost like a little snapshot of a very creative period in music.

If you're interested in the story behind classic songs that shaped genres, or if you just love a good groove, "Double Dutch Bus" is definitely worth another listen. It’s a track that continues to inspire dancers, musicians, and anyone who appreciates a truly original sound. You can also find out more about Frankie Smith and his musical journey.

It's a song that keeps popping up in different contexts, showing its lasting appeal. You might hear it sampled in a new track or played at a party, and it always gets people moving. It's a reminder of how powerful and enduring a truly unique piece of music can be. For more great music, you might want to check out our other articles on classic tracks.

Frequently Asked Questions About Double Dutch Bus

What is the 'izzle' speak in "Double Dutch Bus"?

The 'izzle' speak in "Double Dutch Bus" is a form of slang where the "izz" sound is added into words. It's a playful way of speaking, like saying "hizzle" for "house" or "shizzle" for "sure." This unique linguistic style became a very big part of the song's identity, you know, making it stand out quite a bit.

What is the connection between a jump rope game and a bus company in the song?

The song "Double Dutch Bus" cleverly connects the energetic jump rope game of double dutch with the idea of a bus moving along. It combines the rhythmic, fast-paced nature of the game with the movement of a bus, creating a lively and imaginative picture. It's a bit of a quirky blend, but it totally works, actually.

How did "Double Dutch Bus" become a hip hop classic?

"Double Dutch Bus" became a hip hop classic because its funky beat and unique vocal style, including the 'izzle' speak, were widely sampled by early hip hop artists. It provided a strong rhythmic foundation for many rap tracks, helping to shape the sound of the emerging genre and making it a foundational piece for dance and music production, you know, for a long time.

The Dutch Megamix (Medley): Double Dutch / Triple Dutch Frankie Smith

The Dutch Megamix (Medley): Double Dutch / Triple Dutch Frankie Smith

Stream Frankie Smith - Double Dutch Bus by Unidisc Music | Listen

Stream Frankie Smith - Double Dutch Bus by Unidisc Music | Listen

Frankie Smith - Double Dutch Bus – Vinyl Memories

Frankie Smith - Double Dutch Bus – Vinyl Memories

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