Just Ask Oldguy

What a bizarre question… fortunately, I know that answer.  That should not be a surprise to you.

Oh, by the way: I’ve had to answer two questions today.  First time that’s happened in a VERY long time.  So please scroll down a bit and read the other question of the day as well.

Question: what is the origin of the phrase: “dang diggy dang”.

Answer: it’s a phrase that’s commonly used in Rap and Hip-Hop music.  I think it’s primarily used as a filler because that sort of “music” often is (to be kind) rather light on meaningful lyrics.  So, think of “dang diggy dang” as being the rap/hip-hop equivalent of “la la la la la”.

But where did it originate?  Well, as far as I can recall, it came from a very early Rap song.  I managed to find the lyrics: http://somethingsomething.blogspot.com/2007/09/80s-music-video-sunday-37.html

and the music: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hXPu32FuE4

As the music will likely eventually disappear, the song is: Jam-On It by Newcleus.  It’s kind of a combination disco/rap song from 1984.  Yes, it’s that old.  You may have been conceived to this music; there was a lot of “experimentation” back in the 80’s.

It’s kind of catchy, if meaningless.  So I think that the next generation of rappers must have “gotten their groove on” with this particular proto-rap song.

Related Questions

1. What kind of music do you like? And if you say "Oh, all kinds," that doesn't count.
2. Dear Oldguy, I recently heard "Walk, Idiot, Walk" by the Hives on the radio. I really like it, but live in a town with no record store. When I downloaded it (trying both Kazaa and Limewire), I kept ...
3. Is the any sort of reason why a complex song with little repitition (like Circle by Rev. Brendan Powell Smith) gets stuck in my head more easily than a simple song with lots of repetition?