Van Helden was born in Boston on February 17, 1970 to a Dutch-Indonesian father and a French-Lebanese mother, but travelled around the world as a child spending time in the Netherlands, Turkey and Italy, as his father was a member of the US Air Force. At the age of thirteen, he bought a drum machine and started DJing two years later.
He returned to Boston in 1988 but also moonlighted as a DJ in Boston clubs. He attended Boston University. He quit his legal review job in 1989 to work as a remixer/producer for Mega-Mixx Productions DJ Remix Service (co-founded by his long time manager, Neil Petricone) where he reworked and re-edited a number of club records for the DJ-only service, including Shawn Christopher's "Another Sleepless Night." He also took up an occupancy at 'The Loft', Boston's leading nightclub.
Mega-Mixx's success was short lived. Mismanagement brought the company to a halt in early 1991. Later that year, he and Petricone, along with founding A&R coordinator, Tony Zeoli, launched X-Mix Productions, a similar DJ Remix service, which still exists today (http://www.xmix.com). Catching the attention of legendary Strictly Rhythm and Nervous Records A&R guru, Glady Pizarro, in 1992 Van Helden released his first official single "Stay On My Mind" under the psuedonym Deep Creed, through Nervous Records.
He released "Move It To the Left" (credited to Sultans of Swing) in 1992 on the Strictly Rhythm label, which became a moderate club hit. His first track to make the Billboard Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart was "Witch Doktor" which made the top 5 in 1994.
The success of "Witch Doktor" led to opportunities to remix acts such as The Real McCoy ("Another Night", New Order ("Bizarre Love Triangle"), Blondie ("Atomic), Capella ("U Got To Know"), Lightning Seeds ("Jackie Lucky"), Deep Forest ("Marta's Song"), Jimmy Somerville ("Heartbeat"), Deee-Lite ("Dewdrops In The Garden") and Faithless ("Insomnia"). However, it was the "Professional Widow" remix that established him and became a dance hit around the world as well as a number one hit in the UK. Unfortunately, Van Helden did not receive a penny for this mix as he presented it uncommissioned, and thus was not entitled to compensation. However, it led to work remixing The Rolling Stones, Janet Jackson, Britney Spears and Puff Daddy as well as Daft Punk and the Sneaker Pimps, and adding to his reputation as one of the world's top house musicians.
Within dance music circles, Van Helden is widely credited for the introduction of the U.K. bred Speed Garage sound to the U.S. club scene with incredible set of remixes. The sound, identifiable by its deep bass subtones, long melodic breaks, and devestatingly hard hitting beats are exemplified in the following remixes beginning in 1995 with Jimmy Somerville "Heartbeat"; CJ Bolland's "Sugar Is Sweeter"; Faithless "Insomnia"; Tori Amos "Professional Widow"; Apollo 440 "Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Dub"; and Sneaker Pimps "Spin, Spin, Sugar."
"Cha Cha" was another top ten dance hit from his first album Old School Junkies released in 1996, along with "The Funk Phenomena". A greatest hits album appeared the next year followed by a breakbeat album later in 1997. "U Don't Know Me," a collaboration with vocalist Duane Harden from the album, "2 Futur 4 U," was a number two hit on the Billboard dance chart, a Number one in the UK and a top 20 single on the pop charts in Australia and Canada.
In 1000 UK #1 Hits by Jon Kutner and Spencer Leigh, Armand Van Helden explained, "You Don't Know Me was a perfect example of putting 2 simple things together, the beats from Jaydee's Plastic Dreams and a disco loop from Carrie Lucas."
Van Helden released the Killing Puritans album in 2000 which contained the dance hit "Koochy". His single "Why Can't You Spend Some Time" made the number 34 in the UK in 2001. His New York: A Mix Odyssey album released in 2004 produced two hits:
* "Hear my Name" reached number 7 on the Billboard dance chart, was top 30 on world and internet charts, made number 34 in the UK, and reached the top 40 in Australia; and
* "My My My" reached number 4 on the world internet charts, number 5 in the Belgian and Dutch charts, number 6 in Australia, number 15 in the UK and top 30 in the world dance charts.
In 2010 Van Helden teamed with A-Trak to form the duo Duck Sauce. They had an international smash hit with "Barbra Streisand," which used an ingenious sample from Boney M.
Witch Doktor
Armand van Helden Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(Change my life) Change my life
(Make things right) Make things right (WOOO),
But girl I'm a Bad Boy
So I gotta do what I gotta do (Bad Boys 2 Baby)
(Risk my life) Risk My Life (The soundtrack)
(In the late night) In the late night (Booka)
But girl I'm a Bad Boy (Yeah Yeah)
I know at times u feel stressed out,
But I'm tryna set you up so lata I can buy u Oprah's guest house,
But for now I gotta hug the block
I know u sick of visits from under cover cops,
And run into the kitchen tryna hide the box
Just gimme a minute and Imma fudge u with rocks
I got a wicked jump shot but lets be real
Ain't no scout gonna give this sad nigga a deal
I gotta do what I gotta do that's what's up
What's with this new attitude u been stashin' my stuff (That's right)
Ima bad boy like Mike Lawry (Bad Boys Baby)
How u think u got that rainbow Lui,
Not with a legal job's salary
Girl I gotta do (Yeah) What I gotta do
(Change my life) Change my life
(Make things right) Make things right,
But girl I'm a Bad Boy
So I gotta (Yeah) Do what I gotta do (C'mon)
(Risk my life) Risk My Life (Yeah)
(In the late night) In the late night (Yo Crack gimme a holla at for a second)
But girl I'm a Bad Boy
Mami got u stuck off the realness
You know the infamous u heard of us (heard of us)
It's your bad boy business men
Me and Joey crack gettin' Benjamins sittin' in a van the same color as cinnamon (C'mon) Ma I'm tryna be your night and shinin (Uh Huh)
To put u in a house on the Camion islands
Spent your whole life beside me (That's right)
A lil' light that guide me (Yeah) thru it all u was right behind me (Lets go),
And ma I know I gotta change,
It's not the same girl please with me and u we can 'chieve whatever,
But I cant change I'm a bad boy forever (You Know)
Girl (Yeah) I gotta do (C'mon) what I gotta do
(Change my life) Change my life (You gotta make that change man)
(Make things right) Make things right (We dun came ya heard),
But girl I'm a (woo) Bad Boy (Uh yeah)
So I gotta do what I gotta do (Some are CERN, some are CERN, ya heard)
(Risk my life) Risk my life (You and the kids ya heard)
(In the late night) (Bad Boy Baby) In the late night,
But girl I'm a Bad Boy
Now we livin' up in Asbury (Uh huh)
In the TV in the car got the game on starrin' Marbury (Woo),
And your ring got the rock the (Yeah) size strawberries (That's right),
And everything that you want I got it don't worry (Lets go),
And I know it ain't about the chips
Just my way of sayin' (C'mon) thanks for all the years u put up with all of my shit (Uh huh)
I had to change like the chorus said,
And I'm reminded why every time we do our thing in the water bed,
To me its just more than head
It's more than a crush its all about us its love and trust (Yeah)
Took the time out to make things right
It may seem nice,
But ima be a bad boy for life (Bad Boy for life)
Girl I gotta do (Yeah) What I gotta do (Lets go)
(Change my life) Change my life (C'mon)
(Make things right) (Yeah) Make things right
But girl I'm a Bad Boy
So I gotta do (Yeah) What I gotta do (C'mon)
(Risk my life) Risk my life (Yeah)
(In the late night) In the late night (C'mon),
But girl I'm a Bad Boy (Yeah Yeah)
The lyrics to "Witch Doktor" by Armand van Helden express the desire of the singer, who is a "bad boy," to change his life and make things right with a girl he cares about. However, he realizes that he has to take risks and maintain his tough exterior in order to survive in his environment. He assures the girl that he is trying to set her up for a better life, but for now, he has to "hug the block" and engage in illegal activities to make money. Despite these challenges, he is determined to succeed and make a better life for himself and the girl he loves.
Throughout the song, there is a tension between the singer's desire to change and his loyalty to the "bad boy" lifestyle. He acknowledges that he needs to make a change, but also admits that he is a "bad boy forever." This conflict reflects the difficult reality faced by many people in disadvantaged communities who are trying to escape poverty and violence.
Overall, "Witch Doktor" is a powerful song that captures the difficulties and complexities of life in urban environments. It speaks to the struggles and aspirations of those who are trying to make a better life for themselves and their loved ones, and to the challenges they face in doing so.
Line by Line Meaning
Girl I gotta do what I gotta do
I need to take the necessary steps to improve my life
(Change my life) Change my life
I need to make significant changes in my life
(Make things right) Make things right (WOOO)
I need to correct the aspects of my life that are not going well
But girl I'm a Bad Boy
I am a rebellious person
So I gotta do what I gotta do (Bad Boys 2 Baby)
I need to take actions that reflect my rebellious nature
(Risk my life) Risk My Life (The soundtrack)
I may have to place myself in danger to achieve what I want
(In the late night) In the late night (Booka)
I often take action when others are asleep or unaware
I know at times u feel stressed out,
I understand that you are often overwhelmed
But I'm tryna set you up so lata I can buy u Oprah's guest house,
I am trying to create a good life for us in the future
But for now I gotta hug the block
For now, I need to stay where I am to make ends meet
I know u sick of visits from under cover cops,
I know that you are tired of dealing with police surveillance
And run into the kitchen tryna hide the box
You often hide things when you see the police approaching
Just gimme a minute and Imma fudge u with rocks
Just give me some time, and I will provide for us with illicit means
I got a wicked jump shot but lets be real
I am a talented basketball player, but that is not a sustainable career
Ain't no scout gonna give this sad nigga a deal
No basketball scouts will offer me a contract
I gotta do what I gotta do that's what's up
I will do whatever it takes to succeed
What's with this new attitude u been stashin' my stuff (That's right)
Why are you hiding things from me now?
Ima bad boy like Mike Lawry (Bad Boys Baby)
I am a rebellious person like the characters in the Bad Boys movies
How u think u got that rainbow Lui,
I bought you a luxury handbag that you could not afford on your own
Not with a legal job's salary
I obtained money through illegal means
Mami got u stuck off the realness
Your views and attitudes are influenced by reality
You know the infamous u heard of us (heard of us)
You have heard of our reputation
It's your bad boy business men
We are reckless businessmen
Me and Joey crack gettin' Benjamins sittin' in a van the same color as cinnamon (C'mon)
Joey Crack and I are making lots of money by sitting in a van that blends in with its surroundings
Ma I'm tryna be your night and shinin (Uh Huh)
I want to be your knight in shining armor
To put u in a house on the Camion islands
I want to provide us with a luxurious home in the Caribbean
Spent your whole life beside me (That's right)
You have been with me for a long time
A lil' light that guide me (Yeah) thru it all u was right behind me (Lets go),
You have been a source of guidance and support for me
And ma I know I gotta change,
I understand that I need to make changes in my life
It's not the same girl please with me and u we can 'chieve whatever,
Things are not as good as they used to be, but we can accomplish anything together
But I cant change I'm a bad boy forever (You Know)
However, I cannot completely change my rebellious nature
Now we livin' up in Asbury (Uh huh)
We now live in a nice area of Asbury
In the TV in the car got the game on starrin' Marbury (Woo),
We are watching a basketball game featuring Stephon Marbury
And your ring got the rock the (Yeah) size strawberries (That's right),
Your ring is the size of a strawberry, indicating my success in providing for you
And everything that you want I got it don't worry (Lets go),
I am able to provide you with everything you need
And I know it ain't about the chips
I know that our relationship is not just about money
Just my way of sayin' (C'mon) thanks for all the years u put up with all of my shit (Uh huh)
I want to express my gratitude for putting up with my past actions
I had to change like the chorus said,
I needed to change, as stated in the chorus
And I'm reminded why every time we do our thing in the water bed,
Every time we are intimate, I am reminded of why I need to make changes
To me its just more than head
Our relationship is about more than just sex
It's more than a crush its all about us its love and trust (Yeah)
Our relationship is built on love and trust
Took the time out to make things right
I took time to fix our relationship
It may seem nice,
Things may seem good now
But ima be a bad boy for life (Bad Boy for life)
However, I will always have a rebellious nature
Lyrics Β© BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ARMAND VAN HELDEN, HELDEN ARMAND VAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jasoncataldi2053
Once you heard that air horn π’, you knew the dance floor was gonna be Mayhem! Such an underrated classic.
@Thatguy-zp3eh
Absolutely right β οΈ
@whatthe4059
Facts.
@martica6755
Oh yeah!!! πππ
@kmadad22
Bang on!!!!
@carlitos2k2
I closed my eyes while listening to this song and remembered watching the crowd rush to the dance floor when I dropped this track on my turntables. The 90's was a period when being a DJ was sheer happiness!
@jasonsingh8958
drop this into I am ready by wink and watch them explode.
@Metaspace2
Yeah dancing was amazing those days. There was a period where breakbeat(nu skool breaks) picked up the intensity of those days. I am searching ever since :-)
@acruznyc
This at the limelight
@elenaportela4121
YES!ππ½π₯π₯π§π₯π₯