“Groove Is in the Heart” by Deee-Lite is a vibrant, funky dance anthem released in 1990 as the lead single from their debut album World Clique. It’s one of the most iconic tracks of the early ’90s, known for its psychedelic flair, irresistible groove, and joyful energy that fused house, funk, hip-hop, and disco into one infectious package. The track was written by group members, Dmitry Brill (Supa DJ Dmitry), Chung Dong-Hwa (Towa Tei) and Kierin Kirby (Lady Miss Kier) along with rapper Jonathan Davis (Q-Tip). The song is also credited to Herbie Hancock (samples “Bring Down the Birds”).
The song features standout contributions from Bootsy Collins (of Parliament-Funkadelic fame) on vocals and Q-Tip from A Tribe Called Quest, who delivers a slick rap verse. The song’s core is built around a prominent sample from Herbie Hancock’s “Bring Down the Birds”, layered with deep basslines, funky guitar, quirky samples, and Lady Miss Kier’s charismatic, sassy vocals.
Lyrically and musically, the track celebrates the euphoria of dance, self-expression, and good vibes. Its playful, retro-futuristic sound, combined with a colorful, psychedelic music video, made it a staple of MTV and club scenes worldwide.
“Groove Is in the Heart” became a global hit, reaching No. 1 in Australia and on the Billboard’s Dance Club Songs, No. 4 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and No. 2 in the UK, and remains Deee-Lite’s signature song. Though the group didn’t maintain long-term mainstream success, this track has endured as a timeless party anthem, beloved for its bold style, genre-blending innovation, and pure joy.