99% Invisible – 389- Whomst Among Us Let the Dogs Out AGAIN

Intro

In this episode of “99% Invisible”, the hosts explore the fascinating story behind the hit song “Who Let the Dogs Out”. From its origins in the Bahamas to its global success, the song’s journey is a testament to the complex nature of creativity and inspiration. The episode delves into the multiple claims and influences surrounding the song, shedding light on the collaborative and subconscious process of art creation. Additionally, the hosts discuss the use of question marks in movie titles and the superstitions surrounding their impact on box office success. Join “99% Invisible” as they unravel the mysteries behind these cultural phenomena.

Main Takeaways

Origins and Influences

• The song “Who Let the Dogs Out” originated from the Bahamian band known as the Baha Men, who covered the song after hearing its catchy hook.
• The song’s hook was inspired by a remix of a song called “Yura Dog” by 20 Fingers featuring Gillette.
• Anselm Douglas, a songwriter, contributed to the creation of the song and aimed to create a feminist anthem.
• The phrase “Who Let the Dogs Out” was originally heard in a jingle created by Patrick Stephenson and LaRoy Williams for a DJ Mix Show.
• Multiple claims and versions of the song’s inspiration exist, including involvement from Gillette and 20 Fingers in Chicago and a high school football team in Michigan.

The Complexities of Copyright and Attribution

• Copyright infringement claims focus on access and similarity, with different parties claiming ownership of the song’s creation.
• The Canadian DJs who created the remix that inspired the song claimed they had never heard of the Baha Men or 20 Fingers.
• Miami Boom Productions asserts that they wrote and recorded “Who Let the Dogs Out” in 1992, but it gained recognition years later.
• Miami Boom seeks credit and compensation for their contribution to the song, specifically highlighting their studio engineer Mama Do.
• The lack of proper attribution for Miami Boom’s involvement reflects the challenges faced by artists who are excluded from the success of a global hit.

The Curious Case of Question Marks in Movie Titles

• The use of question marks in movie titles is a superstition in the film industry, with beliefs about their impact on box office performance.
• Comedies often utilize question marks in their titles, while dramas tend to avoid them.
• The decision to use a question mark can influence how viewers perceive the movie and whether they anticipate a punchline or twist.
• Question marks in movie titles create a zany or wistful mood, aligning with specific genre expectations.
• The use of question marks is not a conscious decision by the movie industry but rather a mysterious and unpredictable aspect of the creative process.

Summary

The Complex Web of “Who Let the Dogs Out”

The hit song “Who Let the Dogs Out” by the Baha Men exemplifies the phenomenon of catchy songs that embed themselves in our collective consciousness. The song’s origins trace back to a trip to Carnival in Chinatown, Tobago, where a British hairdresser named Keith encountered the phrase. Anselm Douglas, a songwriter, contributed the hook to the song and aimed to create a feminist anthem. However, the phrase “Who Let the Dogs Out” was originally heard in a jingle created by Patrick Stephenson and LaRoy Williams. The Baha Men’s version of the song gained international success, but multiple claims and influences surround its creation. Copyright infringement claims center on access and similarity, with Miami Boom Productions asserting their involvement in writing and recording the song. The lack of proper attribution for Miami Boom’s contribution highlights the challenges faced by artists in the music industry. The song’s journey showcases the collaborative and subconscious nature of art creation.

The Enigmatic Use of Question Marks in Movie Titles

The use of question marks in movie titles is a superstition in the film industry, with beliefs about their impact on box office success. Comedies often incorporate question marks to create a zany and humorous mood, while dramas tend to avoid them. The decision to use a question mark can influence viewers’ expectations and anticipation for a punchline or twist. However, the use of question marks is not a conscious decision by the movie industry but rather a mysterious aspect of the creative process. The movie industry attempts to predict success, but ultimately, success can be random and unpredictable. The use of question marks in movie titles reflects the enigmatic nature of decision-making in the industry.

Conclusion

The story behind “Who Let the Dogs Out” and the use of question marks in movie titles demonstrate the complexities and mysteries of creativity. The song’s journey highlights the collaborative and subconscious nature of art creation, with multiple claims and influences shaping its origins. The lack of proper attribution for Miami Boom’s contribution raises important questions about recognition and compensation for artists. Similarly, the use of question marks in movie titles reflects the superstitious beliefs and enigmatic decision-making processes in the film industry. Ultimately, these cultural phenomena remind us that creativity is a multifaceted and unpredictable endeavor.