The Red Hot Chili Peppers were formed in Los Angeles by Kiedis, Flea, guitarist Hillel Slovak and drummer Jack Irons. Due to commitments to other bands, Slovak and Irons did not play on the band's 1984 self-titled debut album, which instead featured guitarist Jack Sherman and drummer Cliff Martinez. Slovak rejoined for their second album, Freaky Styley (1985), and Irons for their third, The Uplift Mofo Party Plan (1987). Irons left after Slovak died of a drug overdose in June 1988.
With new recruits Frusciante and Smith, the Red Hot Chili Peppers recorded Mother's Milk (1989) and their first major commercial success, Blood Sugar Sex Magik (1991). Frusciante was uncomfortable with their newfound popularity and left abruptly on tour in 1992. After a series of temporary guitarists, he was replaced by Dave Navarro, who appeared on the group's sixth album, One Hot Minute (1995). Although successful, the album failed to match the critical or popular acclaim of Blood Sugar Sex Magik. Frusciante and Kiedis struggled with drug addiction throughout the 1990s.
In 1998, following Navarro's departure, Frusciante rejoined the band. Their seventh album, Californication (1999), became their biggest commercial success, with 16 million copies sold worldwide. By the Way (2002) and Stadium Arcadium (2006) were also successful; Stadium Arcadium was their first album to reach number one on the Billboard 200 chart. Frusciante left again in 2009 to focus on his solo career; he was replaced by Josh Klinghoffer, who appeared on I'm with You (2011) and The Getaway (2016), before Frusciante rejoined in 2019. They released their 12th album, Unlimited Love, in 2022.
The Chili Peppers' mix of hard rock, funk and hip hop has influenced genres such as funk metal, rap metal, rap rock and nu metal. Kiedis said the band were early to combine "hardcore funk and hip-hop-style vocals", and suggested they had influenced Limp Bizkit, Kid Rock, and Linkin Park. Smith said, "Certainly Anthony's singing style and voice lends itself to being unique, and nobody sounds like him. The cool thing about it is we can play any style of music whether it's hard and fast, or loud or quiet, slow or medium, whatever it is; rock or funk, and it still sounds like us. I'm proud of that because sometimes bands don't have that strong personality where you go, 'Oh, that's boom, right away.'"
The Chili Peppers were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame In April 2012. The induction lineup was Kiedis, Flea, Smith, Klinghoffer, Frusciante, Slovak (represented by his brother James), Irons and Martinez; Frusciante was invited, but did not attend. Navarro and Sherman were not inducted; Sherman said he felt "dishonored". The band performed "By the Way", "Give It Away" and "Higher Ground", which included Irons and Martinez on drums. It was the first time Kiedis and Flea had performed with Irons in more than 20 years.
In 2003, Rolling Stone released their first list of the "500 Greatest Albums of All Time", with Blood Sugar Sex Magik at 310 and Californication at 399. In 2012, a revised list was released, with Californication at 401. In 2020, Rolling Stone released another version of the list, with Blood Sugar Sex Magik at 186 and Californication at 286.
The band received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on March 31, 2022. George Clinton, Woody Harrelson and Bob Forrest unveiled the star at the ceremony.
Magic Johnson
Red Hot Chili Peppers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Kinds of the court shake and bake all takers
Back to back is a bad ass fact a claim that remains in tact
M-a-g-i-see see you on the court
Buck has come to play his way and his way is to thwart
M-a-g-i-see magic of the buck
Other teams pray for dreams
But he don't give a [fuck]
Comes the magic blood a telepathic brain
Knucklehead suckers better duck
When the buck comes through like a truck
Scott stops pops and drops it in
On his way back gets a little skin
From the hand of a man named a. c. green
Slam so hard break your t.v. screen
Worthy's hot with his tomahawk
Take it to the hole make your mamma talk
I hate to burst your bubble but triple double trouble
Is coming to your town and he's going to make rubble
L.A. Lakers fast break makers
Kings of the court shake and bake all takers
Back to back is a bad ass fact a claim that remains in tact
Lakers are the team that I watch on the telly
Cause they got more moves
That a bowl full of jelly
The buck stops here - pops - then cheers
A roar through the forum
That deafens my ears
The one and only know if his kind
Sits in a throne
Not for the records that he holds
But for being bald and bold
Kareem Abdul Jabbar
All time great super super star
I hate to burst your bubble but triple double trouble
Is coming to your town and he's going to make rubble
Does anybody want some Magic Johnson
L.A. Lakers fast break makers
Kings of the court shake and bake all takers
Back to back is a bad ass fact a claim that remains in tact
"Magic Johnson" is a tribute to the legendary NBA player of the same name, highlighting his skills and dominance on the court. The Red Hot Chili Peppers use basketball terms and metaphors to convey the intense energy and excitement that Magic brought to the game. The song starts off by praising the Lakers' fast break makers, who confidently shake and bake past all takers. They have the reputation of being back-to-back champions, and no one can deny this fact. The song then shifts to Magic himself, who is often referred to by his first name or just "the Buck," as he was famously known for his quick and agile moves.
The lyrics describe how Magic's talent goes beyond just scoring points or making assists - he can read the game with a telepathic brain and penetrate the lane like a bullet train. The opposing teams can only hope to dream of stopping him, but he doesn't care about their efforts. When the Buck comes through like a truck, knucklehead suckers better duck, or else they'll get flattened. The song also includes references to other Lakers players of the time, like A.C. Green, James Worthy, and Byron Scott, who all contributed to the team's success.
Overall, "Magic Johnson" is a lively and energetic tribute to one of basketball's greatest players. The Red Hot Chili Peppers capture the spirit and passion of the game, while emphasizing the unique talents of this particular player.
Line by Line Meaning
L.A. Lakers fast break makers
The Los Angeles Lakers are known for playing an exciting style of basketball that involves quick transitions from defense to offense.
Kings of the court shake and bake all takers
The Lakers dominate the basketball court with their fancy dribbling and fancy footwork, making it difficult for other teams to defend against them.
Back to back is a bad ass fact a claim that remains in tact
The Lakers have won consecutive championships, which is an impressive feat that cannot be denied.
M-a-g-i-see see you on the court
Magic Johnson is a talented basketball player who is looking forward to competing against you on the court.
Buck has come to play his way and his way is to thwart
The Lakers player named Buck has come to the game with the intention of preventing the other team from scoring points by playing tough defense.
M-a-g-i-see magic of the buck
Magic Johnson recognizes the impressive skills of his teammate Buck, who is known for making game-changing plays on both offense and defense.
Other teams pray for dreams
Opposing teams hope to win games against the Lakers, but their efforts often fall short.
But he don't give a [fuck]
Magic Johnson is not concerned about what other teams think of him and his team's success.
Penetrating the lane like a bullet train
Magic Johnson moves quickly and decisively towards the basketball hoop, much like a speeding train.
Comes the magic blood a telepathic brain
Magic Johnson has a natural talent for basketball and is able to anticipate his teammates' moves before they even happen.
Knucklehead suckers better duck
Opposing players who aren't paying attention or who are playing poorly should be wary of playing against the Lakers.
When the buck comes through like a truck
When Buck plays with maximum effort and intensity, he is like a truck that can plow through opposing defenses with ease.
Scott stops pops and drops it in
By making a quick stop and accurate shot, Scott scores a basket for the Lakers.
On his way back gets a little skin
As Scott heads back on defense, he high-fives a teammate named A.C. Green.
From the hand of a man named a. c. green
A.C. Green is a teammate of Scott's and is known for his reliability and team spirit.
Slam so hard break your t.v. screen
The Lakers player named Worthy dunks the basketball so hard that it could potentially damage your television screen if you're watching at home.
Worthy's hot with his tomahawk
Worthy is a skilled player who is able to make dunks that are reminiscent of the tomahawk chop of Native American tribes.
Take it to the hole make your mamma talk
When the Lakers score a basket, it is so exciting that even your mother will want to talk about it.
I hate to burst your bubble but triple double trouble
The Lakers player who goes by Triple Double Trouble is a formidable opponent who is difficult to beat.
Is coming to your town and he's going to make rubble
The Lakers, led by Triple Double Trouble, are going to play against your hometown team and are expected to win with ease.
The buck stops here - pops - then cheers
Buck makes a crucial game-winning play and the crowd erupts in cheers.
A roar through the forum that deafens my ears
The Lakers play in a stadium called The Forum, and the cheers from the crowd are so loud that it makes it difficult to hear anything else.
The one and only know if his kind
Kareem Abdul Jabbar is a unique and one-of-a-kind player who is highly respected by basketball fans around the world.
Sits in a throne not for the records that he holds
Kareem Abdul Jabbar is known for his impressive career achievements, but he is also admired for his contributions to the sport of basketball as a whole.
But for being bald and bold
Kareem Abdul Jabbar is a confident player who is not afraid to stand out from the crowd with his bald head and dominant play style.
Does anybody want some Magic Johnson
Magic Johnson is offering up his impressive basketball skills to any opposing players who are willing to face him head-on in a game.
Lyrics © MoeBeToBlame, Peermusic Publishing, WORDS & MUSIC A DIV OF BIG DEAL MUSIC LLC
Written by: MICHAEL BALZARY, JOHN FRUSCIANTE, ANTHONY KIEDIS, CHAD SMITH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Hans Lindig
I'm dying of laughter at 2:20
lolothe2nd
does this gesture means anything?
zilch 777
ギターサウンドみたいなベースサウンドだな。
高速ベースサウンド。
何十年も前から聴いているけど
やっぱり格好イイものは格好イイな。
桐壺
この歌大好き
Bartłomiej Dąbrowski
nicely done
Robert Doyle
The new show Winning Time, should put this song in a episode
Playin Outside
Hate them lakers, but magic is simply incredible
Yudananta Ferisa
Ciamiiiiikkk...!!! 👍👍🍻
Tom Virgo
@2:02 il tripudio di funk che scatenano i peperoncini
Dannazione!
rofano lubis
M A G I C