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For the funk group Cameo, 13 was certainly their lucky number!
In 1986--after a number of hits on the R&B & Hip Hop charts over several years, they released "Word Up," their 13th album, and the title song hit the jackpot, crossing over into the mainstream worldwide... and becoming their biggest--and most recognizable hit!
"Word Up" was New York City slang for "You got THAT right," (or something similar), and after the song's release, it became street jargon in 13 countries--including the US, where it made the Top 10 on FOUR Billboard Charts: #1 on the Black Singles and Dance Club Charts, #3 on the Dance Sales Chart, and #6 on the Hot 100!
The video was also an MTV favorite.
And then came a couple of cherries on top: The Soul Train Music Award for Best R&B Soul Single, and the UK's NME Award for Best Dance Recording!
Fun Fact: The backing track featured a riff lifted from "The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly."
Over the years, "Word Up" has been covered several times with some solid chart success in Europe, but not here in the States--until 2004, when the California metal group Korn" released a cover that became a huge hit in 13 countries spread over 4 continents! In the US, it reached #16 Billboard's Mainstream Rock Chart and #17 on the Modern Rock Chart!
Word up! "It's a "Funktastic" Great Song of 1986 by Cameo, and 2004 by Korn.!
Tomorrow: Ready for Boston's last Top 10 hit?
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