“Baby Got Back” is a hip-hop song by American rapper Sir Mix-A-Lot (born Anthony L. Ray). It was released as a single in May 7, 1992 with “Cake Boy”/”You Can’t Slip” on the B-side as the lead single for his third album, “Mack Daddy”. The song was written and produced by Sir Mix-A-Lot himself. “Baby Got Back” achieved tremendous commercial success. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and received widespread airplay on radio stations. The song’s success propelled Sir Mix-A-Lot to mainstream recognition, and he became synonymous with the celebration of curvier body types in popular culture.
“Baby Got Back” is celebrated for its catchy and humorous lyrics, which embrace and celebrate curvaceous women, specifically their larger buttocks. The song’s explicit and provocative nature, combined with its infectious beat and memorable hooks, contributed to its widespread popularity. The track features a prominent sample from the 1986 song “Technicolor” by the band Channel One, which provides the foundation for the song’s distinctive and funky sound. Sir Mix-A-Lot’s playful and comedic delivery, along with the memorable chorus, “I like big butts, and I cannot lie,” helped solidify the song’s status as a cultural phenomenon.
The song’s accompanying music video was briefly banned by MTV. It showcases Sir Mix-A-Lot in various settings, including a theater stage and a beach, surrounded by women with diverse body types.
Beyond its commercial success, “Baby Got Back” has had a lasting impact on popular culture. It has been referenced, sampled, and parodied in numerous songs, films, and television shows. The song’s unapologetic celebration of body diversity and its catchy hooks have made it a cultural touchstone and a beloved anthem for body positivity. “Baby Got Back” remains a signature song for Sir Mix-A-Lot, and he continues to perform it at his live shows. Its enduring popularity stands as a testament to its infectious sound, its ability to ignite a conversation about body image, and its status as a memorable and influential hip-hop classic.