10 Greatest One-Hit Wonders Of The '80s
7. Young MC - "Bust A Move"
The lyrically dextrous Marvin Young earned a record contract rapping down the phone while in college, and scored a direct hit with his second single “Bust A Move”. Another slightly quaint rap track from a bygone era, the energetic single sees Young MC offer dating advice to a listenership lacking in confidence while remaining utterly radio friendly.
The busy hit is built on a bed of samples from sources as diverse as Bette Midler and forgotten Seattle rockers Ballin' Jack. It also features a winning bass groove from a shirtless young musician by the name of Flea, who would go on to significant success with his own band.
It’s almost a shame Young MC is remembered primarily for this song alone in 2020. He could really rap, and his debut LP Stone Cold Rhymin' (which sold well but failed to produce another hit single) remains worth a listen.
Still, with “Bust A Move” frequently used on soundtracks to this day (if often in a tongue in cheek fashion), it’s hard to imagine that he regrets dropping this track, no matter what effect it had on his credibility.