Bust A Move – Young M.C. | Top 40 Chart Performance, Story and Song Meaning
Chart Performance: Pop (#7), R&B (#9); 1989
Story Behind The Song By Ed Osborne
The London-born Marvin Young, a.k.a. Young M.C., met Michael Ross and Matt Dike at USC where he was studying economics. At the time, Ross and Dike’s own economic efforts lay with their newly formed record label, Delicious Vinyl.
Marvin joined forces with them and recorded DV’s first single release, I Let ‘Em Know, as Young M.C.. Unfortunately, Know failed in the marketplace. Marvin responded to the setback by writing two multi-platinum songs, Wild Thing and Funky Cold Medina, for Tone Loc.
He finally scored on his own with Bust A Move. Move’s witty story line about romantic frustration that turns out OK in an encounter with a bridesmaid – told in clever rhymes by Young M.C. – earned him a Grammy for Best Rap Performance.
This content and all Song Meaning articles were created and written by Top 40 Contributing Editor Ed Osborne. © 2024 Ed Osborne. All Rights Reserved. In addition to these song meaning articles, Ed has written our “Year in Music 1960s-1990s” articles.
Produced by:
- Matt Dike
- Michael Ross
Lyrics Written by:
- Marvin Young
- Matt Dike
- Michael Ross
Awards:
- Won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance at the 32nd Annual Grammy Awards in 1990
Ed Osborne
Hi. I got my first record at age two and never looked back, spending a decades-long career in radio and the music business. Even after years of reading about and listening to all types of music, I am still fascinated by it. Apart from that, I’m endlessly intrigued by art, nature, and the inner lives of people (and dogs).