The Humpty Dance is one of hip-hop’s most iconic singles, blending humor, funk, and self-parody into a track that became both a dancefloor staple and a cultural touchstone. Released in 1990 as part of Digital Underground’s debut Sex Packets, the single stands out for its outrageous alter ego: Shock G’s character “Humpty Hump,” complete with nasal voice, Groucho glasses, and absurd charm.

The track’s deep funk bassline and playful call-and-response invite listeners to join in on the fun, while the lyrics gleefully parody hip-hop’s bravado through self-deprecation. Its animated cover art and cartoonish aesthetic reflected the group’s refusal to take themselves too seriously, even as they crafted infectious and innovative music.

Beyond its comedic surface, The Humpty Dance is musically significant, with its bassline later sampled by countless artists. It cemented Digital Underground’s reputation as hip-hop tricksters with a serious sense of groove, and introduced the world to a young Tupac Shakur, who first appeared with the group around this era.