Sublime released three studio albums, one live album, five compilation albums (one of which also contains never-before released material), three EPs, and one box set. Although their first two albums—40oz. to Freedom (1992) and Robbin' the Hood (1994)—were quite popular in the United States, Sublime did not experience major commercial success until 1996 with their self-titled third album, released two months after Nowell's death, which peaked at No. 13 on the Billboard 200, and spawned the single "What I Got", which remains the band's only No. 1 hit single (on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart) in their musical career. As of 2009, the band has sold over 17 million albums worldwide, including about ten million in the U.S. alone. Michael "Miguel" Happoldt and Marshall "Ras MG" Goodman contributed to several Sublime songs.
Following Sublime's dissolution, former members Eric Wilson and Bud Gaugh founded the Long Beach Dub Allstars in 1997, which also included many frequent Sublime contributors such as Michael "Miguel" Happoldt (former member of The Ziggens), Marshall Goodman "Ras MG" (former Sublime member), and Todd Forman (3rd Alley). LBDAS disbanded in 2002, due to several members of the band breaking a no-drug vow they had taken. In 2009, the surviving members attempted to reform the band with Rome Ramirez, a young guitarist and admitted Sublime fan from California. However, not long after performing at Cypress Hill's Smokeout Festival, a Los Angeles judge banned the new lineup from using the Sublime name as they needed permission from Nowell's estate, which owns the rights to the Sublime name. This prompted the lineup of Wilson, Gaugh and Ramirez to change their name to Sublime with Rome, which has since released three albums, although Gaugh left the group shortly after the release of their 2011 debut Yours Truly.
With the mainstream success of their self-titled album, going five times platinum and earning worldwide airplay, Sublime's influence persists to this day. Sublime was one of the most popular bands of the third wave of ska, specifically characterized as ska punk. Sublime often combined punk rock and hardcore punk with hip hop, heavy metal, dancehall, reggae, ska, funk, and (21st century) surf music. Sublime also has been described as 'reggae rock'.
Their signature sound and their songs are often associated with the beach and coastal areas of Southern California, such as San Diego, Orange County, Venice Beach and Long Beach as well as areas of Northern California like Eureka. Over two decades after Nowell's death and the band's breakup, Sublime remains immensely popular throughout North America, especially in its state of origin, California.
Sublime's songs have been featured via soundtrack in a variety of media. Los Angeles alternative rock radio station KROQ has listed Sublime at No. 3 in their annual "Top 106.7 biggest KROQ bands of all time" list for the past six years in a row, behind Red Hot Chili Peppers and Nirvana, and No. 81 at the "Top 166 Artists of 1980–2008" list.
With over 17 million units sold worldwide, Sublime is one of the most successful, and "powerfully moving" ska-punk acts of all time influencing many modern reggae and ska acts.
Hong Kong Fooey
Sublime Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Rosemary the telephone operator? No way man!
Henry the mild mannered janitor?
Hong Kong phooey, the number one super guy
Hong Kong phooey, quicker than the human eye
Oh, he's got style, a groovy smile, a bod that just won't stop
When the going gets rough, he's super tough
Hong Kong phooey, the number one super guy
Hong Kong phooey, quicker than the human eye
Cho chicly lo chicly bow wow wow
Dong diggity dong diggity dong dong dong
(pick it up pick it up pick it up)
The lyrics to Sublime's song Hong Kong Fooey pay homage to the classic 1970s animated TV show, Hong Kong Phooey. The song asks the question, "Who is this super hero?" and then suggests other possible candidates, such as Sarge and Rosemary the telephone operator, before finally revealing the true hero - Hong Kong Phooey. He is described as the "number one super guy" who is "quicker than the human eye." The lyrics portray him as having style, a groovy smile, and a physique that just won't quit. When faced with difficult challenges, he is "super tough" and invokes the "Hong Kong phooey chop."
The overall tone of the song is playful and upbeat, much like the TV show it references. The use of slang and sound effects in the lyrics adds to the nostalgic feel of the song, reflecting the fun and quirky spirit of Hong Kong Phooey.
Line by Line Meaning
Who is this super hero? sarge? No!
Is this superhero Sarge? No, it's not.
Rosemary the telephone operator? No way man!
Is this superhero Rosemary the telephone operator? No, it's not.
Henry the mild mannered janitor?
Could this superhero be Henry the mild mannered janitor?
Hong Kong phooey, the number one super guy
Here comes Hong Kong Phooey, the best superhero out there.
Hong Kong phooey, quicker than the human eye
Hong Kong Phooey is fast, faster than the human eye can see.
Oh, he's got style, a groovy smile, a bod that just won't stop
Hong Kong Phooey is stylish with a cool smile, and he is physically fit and strong.
When the going gets rough, he's super tough
When things get difficult, Hong Kong Phooey is extremely tough.
With the Hong Kong phooey chop
Hong Kong Phooey has a special move called the Hong Kong Phooey chop.
Hong Kong phooey, the number one super guy
Once again, it's Hong Kong Phooey, the best superhero around.
Hong Kong phooey, quicker than the human eye
And again, he is really fast, faster than humans can comprehend.
Cho chicly lo chicly bow wow wow
These are just nonsensical sounds, adding to the fun and catchy nature of the song.
Dong diggity dong diggity dong dong dong
Same as above, just fun nonsense words.
(pick it up pick it up pick it up)
This could just mean he's picking up the pace, or it could be a call to action for the audience to get up and dance or get excited.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: HOYT CURTIN, HOYT S. CURTIN, JOSEPH BARBERA, JOSEPH R. BARBERA, WILLIAM HANNA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@peelslowly28
This is all of Sublime, all of their sounds, and all of their styles put in to one song and it's a cover of a children's show theme song from the 70s. Epic!
@crnxsp
And I'm so glad they did it!
@Stringprodigy
All their sounds and styles? Not quite
@A2Z83
pick it up pick it up pick it up
@JordyFern
It almost reminds me of a Frank Zappa tune.
@jakedevries1455
EPIC!!! 😁
@gilbertmoreno59
Brad's voice is just so, perfect. R.I.P. to the legend.
@jaredretterer7411
+KawaiiCookieWolf Kaiah this video kills me. you can see the love in the room. too sad, fuck heroin.
@chasecoburn1392
KawaiiCookieBear thats like how spoons make people fat right
@sublimeden
We'll never have another voice like his again... Not to mention his personality was also a one in a lifetime!