The Offspring - Pretty Fly (For A White Guy)

March 05, 2013 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

The Offspring has been going for ages! But this is definitely their most well-known song, and I was surprised that way back in 1998, it topped the UK chart (amongst other countries). The band are a four-piece rock band. Back then the band consisted of Dexter Holland, Noodles, Greg K. and Ron Welty. The latter left in 2003, and was replaced by Atom Willard, who then subsequently left in 2007, and then that's when Pete Parada came in. The band had major success back in the late 90s and early 00s, managing to get two more singles in the UK's top 10 which were "Why Don't You Get A Job?" at number two and "Original Prankster" at number six, with various other singles easily jumping into the chart. This is no small feet for a rock band. So where are they now? Well devoted fans will know they're still around and releasing, one quick look on iTunes confirms their new singles are being released. But once again, like so many others, they have fallen from their height of fame. On the other hand, some have managed to crawl all the way back to the top, and it wouldn't surprise me if they manage to do just that.

"Pretty Fly (For A White Guy)" was written by Dexter Holland. The song takes the mick out of a "wannabe gangsta" who is obsessed with hip-hop not because he enjoys it or understands it, but because he thinks it makes him cool and fly. The female vocals were recorded by Nika Futterman.

The music video portrays the song perfectly, showing a guy immersed in hip-hop stuff but not at all a part of it. He thinks he's all that when he really isn't. I like the ending and how he scares his little sister.

The performance side of this video is quite opposing. In the narrative it's sunny and fun. Then we have this dark, imposing side that is so engaging and full of life too. Only not the same. It looks like a total conflict, but deep down it relates just as well. It is definitely a perfect representation of what they would be like live.

The storyline shocks me every time I see it. It's practically over the top, but we all know that there are people who are that naïve, and you may know one or two of them yourself.

Overall a song that is infinitely catchy and will be well known until the end of the Earth. The music video links oh so perfectly, and we have added bonus of a performance scene shot through out. How can I not sit back and enjoy this while I have the chance? Well it's usually because shock replaces my happiness, every single time. I have no choice, this music video clearly deserves this rating, I just wish I could rate it higher.