The opening scene of the music video for LMFAO‘s 2011 breakthrough hit, “Party Rock Anthem,” finds the group’s Redfoo and Sky Blu in a coma after “excessive party rocking.” Exaggeration? Absolutely. But such a scenario isn’t too far of a stretch for the uncle-nephew dance music duo, whose head-banging tracks, lighthearted attitude and penchant for the absurd has made them symbolic of a lifestyle filled with wild partying, rowdy spring breakers and animal-print everything.
Made up of the son and grandson of Motown Records founder Berry Gordy, Jr., LMFAO pumped out hit after party-starting hit in the late 2000s, starting with 2008’s Party Rock EP and its radio smash “I’m In Miami Bi–h.” It’s not surprising that their upbeat tracks soon made their way into star-packed reality shows like Kourtney & Kim Take Miami and Jersey Shore. But with all the champagne-pouring, yacht-sailing, club-going imagery, the duo never took themselves too seriously, each track from “Sexy and I Know It” to the ubiquitous “Party Rock Anthem” more playful than the next.
At one point, though, it seemed the excess partying took a toll on the group, who surprisingly announced their hiatus in 2012. Thankfully, LMFAO left us with more than enough dance heavy-hitters to cram our party playlists until they return.Check out Billboard Dance‘s top 10 favorites, below.
10. LMFAO – “I Am Not A Whore”
A prime example of LMFAO’s affinity for cheeky lyricism, “I Am Not A Whore” is an addictive dance-floor player built off just two lines — the title, and its mischievous afterthought, “but I like to do it.” It’s catchy and funny with the perfect touch of scandal, a hit-making mix LMFAO nailed by the end of their career.
9. LMFAO feat. Natalia Kills – “Champagne Showers”
It’s hard to find a party playlist go-to that can pump up a crowd as quickly as “Champagne Showers.” With an invigorating, funky electronic beat and tongue-in-cheek lyrics that seem to goad club-goers to sing along, this incessantly fun LMFAO song hit No. 4 on the Dance Club Songs charts when it dropped on Sorry For Party Rocking in 2011, and had listeners everywhere ready to make it rain with some bubbly.
8. LMFAO – “Get Crazy”
You might recognize this skittering beat and puckish chorus from the opening theme of the drama-filled MTV reality series Jersey Shore. The track’s glitchy electronic melody and urging to “to get crazy, get wild” was the perfect soundtrack to match the drunken antics of personalities like Pauly D and Snooki, and it’s just as catchy today.
7. LMFAO feat Will.i.am, GoonRock, Eva Simons – “Best Night”
LMFAO brings on beatsmith will.i.am for this uplifting track, which drowns the Black Eyed Peas rapper’s raspy interjections in waves of gurgling auto-tune and pulsing synths. If you’re looking to have the “best night,” this LMFAO song might be just the track to do it.
6. LMFAO – “Sorry For Party Rocking”
Easily one of LMFAO’s most iconic offerings, “Sorry For Party Rocking” is, unsurprisingly, not an apology. Instead, it’s a smirk to rowdy, disruptive party-goers everywhere — especially those that wake their elderly neighbors, as the track’s riot of a music video shows. Seriously, don’t miss this track’s vibrant, partly-animated visual, which chronicles a colorful house party filled with stuffed zebras, beer-chugging youngsters, and even a dancing, pajama-clad grandma.
5. LMFAO – “I’m In Miami B—h”
LMFAO aren’t the first electronic group to pay tribute to the dance music mecca that is Miami in a song, but their ode to the city might be one of the best. While Redfoo and Sky Blu muse on polka dot bikinis and day drinking Coronas, a squeaky electronic beat chugs steadily along in the background. The track’s simplistic lyrics only add to the track’s charm — “I’m In Miami, B—h,” is enough said already.
4. LMFAO – “Yes”
Like in our No. 5 five pick, “Yes” showcases LMFAO’s gift for simplicity. With just one word, the duo conveys an infectiously motivational, happy-go-lucky spirit, and it’s hard not to sing along to the prideful hook, “every day I see my dream.” More downtempo than the group’s usual frenzied beats, this LMFAO song is a feel-good breath of air among the rest of the duo’s chaotic catalog.
3. LMFAO feat. Lil Jon – “Shots”
Lil Jon‘s trademark throaty roar provides the perfect guest spot for this grungy party track, which is about, well, doing shots upon shots. Its riotous music video practically jumps out of the screen, allowing listeners a peek into what looks like the greatest pool party of all time, minus the drawback of what must be the hangover to end all hangovers. We’d be surprised if this song didn’t increase shot sales at bars everywhere when it was unleashed in 2009.
2. LMFAO – “Sexy And I Know It”
Make way for the ultimate confidence-booster, LMFAO’s smash hit “Sexy And I Know It.” The duo may be known for party anthems, but they should be remembered for their unapologetic sense for self-love, too. The instant crowd favorite — which seems to take a cue from the smug humor of Right Said Fred‘s 1992 “I’m Too Sexy” — became LMFAO’s second No. 1 hit on the Hot 100 (after “Party Rock Anthem”). It has since appeared everywhere from Gossip Girl to Glee, and the track’s own gyrating, thong-filled music video might be one of LMFAO’s best.
1. LMFAO feat. Lauren Bennett, GoonRock – “Party Rock Anthem”
LMFAO’s first Hot 100 chart-topper, “Party Rock Anthem,” rolls all the group’s best elements into one: cheeky humor, the stickiest of lyrics and one hell of a dance club beat. Self-proclaiming your own song as an “anthem” is ambitious, but this ebullient LMFAO track does its title justice, featuring a zippy electronic hook, giddy melody and sultry vocals courtesy of British singer Lauren Bennett. It was an epic success in 2011, and it still is — the track currently holds the No. 5 spot on Billboard‘s Hot 100 Greatest of All Time singles charts.