Exactly 15 years ago, “Ghetto Supastar (That Is What You Are)” by Pras Michel featuring Ol’ Dirty Bastard and Mýa reached a peak position of number 15 on Billboard‘s Hot 100 chart. The song marked Pras’ first solo single after he, Wyclef Jean, and Lauryn Hill rose to fame as the Fugees. The song would be the only foray into the Top 20 on the Hot 100 for Pras and Ol’ Dirty Bastard. For Mýa, though, it marked her second Top 20 hit of the year, following “It’s All About Me,” which featured her in a duet with Sisqo and peaked at number 6 in May 1998. Mýa would go on top the chart in 2001 along alongside Christina Aguilera, Lil’ Kim, and Pink with their remake of “Lady Marmalade” from the film Moulin Rouge!
Interestingly, “Ghetto Supastar” also came from a film, as it appeared in the soundtrack for the film Bulworth, and the film’s star, Warren Beatty, appeared on the cover to the single.
I always thought it was funny that the song chorus melody samples “Islands In The Stream” by Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton. I actually think it’s the main reason the song charted so high because it sounded familiar.
Reply