LMFAO
LMFAO | |
|---|---|
 Redfoo (left) and SkyBlu (right) at Piere's in Fort Wayne, Indiana | |
| Background information | |
| Origin | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Genres | Pop, electropop, electro-hip hop, hip house |
| Years active | 2006–present (hiatuses: 2012–present) |
| Labels | will.i.am Music, Cherrytree Records |
| Members | Redfoo SkyBlu |
| Website | lmfaomusic |
LMFAO are an American electropop duo consisting of Redfoo (Stefan Kendal Gordy, born September 3, 1975)[1] and SkyBlu[2][3] (Skyler Austen Gordy, born August 23, 1986).[4] Redfoo is SkyBlu's uncle, as Redfoo's father, music mogul Berry Gordy, is SkyBlu's grandfather. RedFoo and SkyBlu both grew up in the affluent Los Angeles neighborhood Pacific Palisades, where they formed the group LMFAO in 2006. On September 21, 2012, the duo announced that they are on hiatus.
The duo has said that its original name was Sexe Dude[failed verification] (read as "Sexy Dudes") and that the two subsequently changed it at the advice of their grandmother.[5] While "LMFAO" is a common Internet slang abbreviation for "Laughing My Fucking Ass Off", in this case it stands specifically for "Laughing My Freaking Ass Off".[5][6]
Career
2007–09: Rise to fame and Party Rock
LMFAO began their career performing as part of the electro club scene in Los Angeles, which at the time featured DJ/producers like Steve Aoki and Adam Goldstein.[7] The duo started building a local buzz through their shows and radio play.[7] Once they had recorded some demos, Redfoo's friend will.i.am introduced them to Interscope head Jimmy Iovine who gave the green light for them to be signed to Interscope/will.i.am Music.[7] Interscope A&R and will.i.am manager Neil Jacobson told HitQuarters that the demos sounded like "finished records" and that so little artist development work was needed it was essentially a "turnkey operation" for the label.[7]
LMFAO released Party Rock EP on the iTunes music store on July 1, 2008, and released their full album on July 7, 2009. The album charted at number 33 on the Billboard 200 and number two on the U.S Dance Chart. Los Angeles Times described Party Rock as "14 virtually interchangeable odes to night life."[8]
Their first single was "I'm In Miami Bitch", which was released in December 2008, and peaked at number 51 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No.37 in Canada.
In early 2009 a little known DJ/producer 'DJ Inphinity' created a bootleg using the Silvio Ecomo remix of DJ Chuckie's 2008 hit "Let the Bass Kick" and the a cappella of LMFAO, creating "Bass Kick in Miami". The bootleg was spread across the internet and became a massive success at the Miami Winter Music Conference 2009. Weeks later the song became the theme song for the E! television show Kourtney and Khloé Take Miami and "Get Crazy" was used for the television show Jersey Shore in 2009.
LMFAO were a featured storyline on MTV's The Real World: Cancun in August 2009, which covered the group's appearance in Cancun during 2009 Spring break.
Also in 2009, the duo was featured in The Crystal Method's song "Sine Language".[9]
2010–11: International breakthrough, Sorry for Party Rocking, and Rockin' Eve
In mid 2010, they were featured in David Guetta's song "Gettin' Over You", which was an international hit, peaking top ten in eleven countries and three of them at number one, including in the United Kingdom. It also peaked 31 on the U.S. Hot 100 and 12 in Canada. The duo then recorded their second album, Sorry for Party Rocking in the remainder of 2010 and released it on June 17, 2011, in the U.S. The first single taken from the album, "Party Rock Anthem", was released on January 25, 2011 and features British singer Lauren Bennett formerly of the girl pop group, "Paradiso Girls" and producer GoonRock, and showcases the iconic Melbourne Shuffle dance style in its popular video. The song is so far the most successful of their career, peaking at number-one in the United States,[10] Canada, the UK, and over ten other countries, as well as the top ten in many others. The second single from Sorry for Party Rocking was released on May 27, 2011, and is titled, "Champagne Showers," and it features English singer-songwriter Natalia Kills.[11] The third single, "Sexy and I Know It", was released on October 3, 2011 and reached #1 on the iTunes charts worldwide and #1 on the Australian and Canadian Hot 100. Also in 2011, LMFAO embarked on their first Asian tour. They performed in Singapore; Manila, Philippines; Taipei, Taiwan, and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, among other cities.[12] Also, on June 30, 2011, LMFAO performed a set on the Isle of MTV 2011 Malta Special on the Fosos (Granaries) in Floriana, Malta, in front of a crowd of 50,000, together with Far East Movement and Snoop Dogg.[13]
Furthermore, the group LMFAO was focused on growing their Party Rock clothing line and was also one of the opening acts for American singer Kesha's "Get Sleazy Tour", along with Spank Rock and Natalia Kills, for the third and fifth legs of the tour in 2011. On August 13, 2011, they opened for Kesha at the St-Jean-sur-Richelieu hot air balloon festival in Quebec, Canada, attracting close to 100,000 fans. On August 29, 2011, LMFAO filmed a video for their new single “Sexy and I Know it” in Venice Beach, California.[14] Pornographic actor Ron Jeremy is featured in the video, which focuses thematically on male genitalia. Actors Simon Rex and Wilmer Valderama, playwright Daniel Kanengieter (as Shufflebot) and mixed martial artist Alistair Overeem also make cameo appearances. The song achieved success similar to that of "Party Rock Anthem", topping charts all over the world. “Sexy and I Know it” became the duo's second number one in the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The group guested on the first elimination show of the 13th series of Dancing with the Stars on September 20, 2011, which was broadcast live.
In October 2011, LMFAO's song "Party Rock Anthem" was used in a Halloween house light show when a Southern California man timed lights to the popular song. After the YouTube video of the house went viral, even receiving news coverage, the duo visited the house and recorded a Kia commercial featuring the house.[15] In December 2011, the group played "Party Rock Anthem" on live national television broadcast of "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve".
2012: Super Bowl, and hiatus
On February 5, 2012, the group appeared with Madonna at the Super Bowl XLVI during the Bridgestone Halftime Show. They performed during her song "Music" which contained a mash-up with "Party Rock Anthem" and "I'm Sexy and I Know It". During the commercial break they also appeared in a Budweiser ad featuring their remix of Madonna's single "Give Me All Your Luvin'", which is included on the video game FIFA Street and on the deluxe edition of her new album MDNA.[16] Also, in 2012 Redfoo is being sued by a previous management company for $7 million, claiming breach of contract.[17]
On September 21, 2012, they released a statement announcing their hiatus. LMFAO’s RedFoo said, "I feel like we’ve been doing this for so long, five or six years,” and that he and Sky Blu won’t be performing together anytime soon as they will be taking their careers in different directions. [18]
Once the news surfaced that band members Redfoo and Sky Blu split, the group went to MTV News to set the record straight. Sky Blu said, "Well, you know, first of all, we're not breaking up. I know that for sure. We're family and stuff, so it's always love," he said. "It's interesting because somebody will say one thing [and] it's just like high school, then all of a sudden [it's] 'They're breaking up. They're fighting.'" [19]
Influences
LMFAO cites a vast range of different influences, such as rappers like Tupac Shakur and Lil Wayne, hip hop groups like The Black Eyed Peas, Run D.M.C., and Wu-Tang Clan, R&B artists like James Brown and Michael Jackson, and rock bands such as The Beatles and Led Zeppelin.[20] Both are devoted fans of Michael Jackson and they use many of his dance steps in their dance routines. The Australian dance style the Melbourne Shuffle features heavily in the "Party Rock Anthem" videoclip, fused with US hip-hop dance elements. Also, LMFAO cites taking a huge inspiration from Adam Goldstein, better known as DJ AM, who first got them introduced to electronic music.[21] Notably, Redfoo is a former brother-in-law of Jermaine Jackson, Michael Jackson's older brother, and is also an uncle of Jermaine Jackson, Jr.[citation needed] In 2007, LMFAO attended the Winter Music Conference in Miami, Florida, which the duo says was an experience that inspired their musical and creative style.[22]
Business interests
Redfoo is a former day trader and has been featured on CNBC's Mad Money with Jim Cramer.[23]
Discography
- Party Rock (2009)
- Sorry for Party Rocking (2011)
Tours
Headlining
- Sorry For Party Rocking Tour (2012)
Opening act
- Kesha – Get Sleazy Tour (United Kingdom, North America—Leg 3 dates) (2011)
Awards and nominations
 | This section needs additional citations for verification. (September 2011) |
| Year | Award | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Grammy Awards | Best Dance/Electronica Album | Party Rock | Nominated |
| 2011 | Teen Choice Awards | Choice Summer Song | "Party Rock Anthem" featuring Lauren Bennett & GoonRock | Nominated |
| MTV Video Music Awards | Best Choreography | "Party Rock Anthem" featuring Lauren Bennett & GoonRock | Nominated | |
| American Music Awards | Favorite Pop/Rock Band/Duo/Group | LMFAO | Nominated | |
| MTV European Music Awards | Best New | LMFAO | Nominated | |
| Best Push | LMFAO | Nominated | ||
| 2012 | People's Choice Awards | Favorite Song of the Year | "Party Rock Anthem" featuring Lauren Bennett & GoonRock | Nominated |
| Favorite Music Video of the Year | "Party Rock Anthem" featuring Lauren Bennett & GoonRock | Nominated | ||
| NRJ Music Awards 2012 | International Group/Duo of the Year | "LMFAO" | Won | |
| Favourite Music Video of the Year | "Party Rock Anthem" featuring Lauren Bennett & GoonRock | Won | ||
| 2012 Kids' Choice Awards | Favorite Music Group | LMFAO | Nominated | |
| Favorite Song of the Year | "Party Rock Anthem" featuring Lauren Bennett & GoonRock | Won | ||
| Juno Awards | International Album of the Year | "Sorry for Party Rocking" | Nominated | |
| 2012 Billboard Music Awards | Top 100 Song | "Party Rock Anthem" featuring Lauren Bennett & GoonRock | Won | |
| Top Radio Song | Nominated | |||
| Top Streaming Song | Nominated | |||
| Top Digital Song | Won | |||
| Top Pop Song | Won | |||
| Top Rap Song | Won | |||
| Top Dance Song | Won | |||
| Top Digital Song | "Sexy and I Know It" | Nominated | ||
| Top Pop Song | Nominated | |||
| Top Rap Song | Nominated | |||
| Top Dance Song | Nominated | |||
| Best Group/Duo | "LMFAO" | Won | ||
| MTV Movie Awards 2012 | Best Music | "Party Rock Anthem" featuring Lauren Bennett & GoonRock "21 Jump Street" | Won | |
| 2012 MuchMusic Video Awards | International Video of the Year | "Sexy and I Know It" | Won | |
| Most Streamed Video of the Year | "Sexy and I Know It" | Nominated | ||
| International Artist | "LMFAO" | Nominated | ||
| MTV Video Music Awards Japan | Best New Artist | "Party Rock Anthem" featuring Lauren Bennett & GoonRock | Nominated | |
| Best Choreography | "Party Rock Anthem" featuring Lauren Bennett & GoonRock | Nominated | ||
| VEVOCertified Awards | 100.000.000 Views | "Party Rock Anthem" | Won | |
| "Sexy and I Know It" | Won | |||
| "Sorry For Party Rocking" | Won | |||
| "Shots" | Won | |||
| "Champagne Showers" | Won |
See also
References
- ^ "Redfoo's IMDb Page". IMDb. Retrieved February 10, 2011.
- ^ Caramanica, Jon. "Early-Morning Party With Club Rap and Female Audience Participation". New York Times. Retrieved April 10, 2011.
- ^ DeClerk, Hannah. "Q&A Redfoo, from LMFAO". University Daily Kansan. Retrieved April 10, 2011.
- ^ McCabe. "Yo Happy Birthday SkyBlu!". KAMP-FM. Retrieved April 22, 2011.
- ^ a b Karmali, Ziyah. "Interview: LMFAO". Shave Magazine. Retrieved July 8, 2011.
- ^ LMFAO Clarifies Meaning of Name in Trademark Application - Hollywood Reporter
- ^ a b c d "Interview with Neil Jacobson (part 1)". HitQuarters. June 18, 2012. Retrieved August 26, 2012.
- ^ "LMFAO df Los Angeles Times Review". Interscope.com. Retrieved April 25, 2011.
- ^ "The Crystal Method". The Crystal Method. June 3, 2010. Retrieved March 29, 2012.
- ^ Trust, Gary (July 6, 2011). "LMFAO Brings the 'Party' to Top of Hot 100". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. Retrieved July 6, 2011.
- ^ Singles Release Diary – Music. Digital Spy. Retrieved on 2011-10-05.
- ^ "LMFAO Live in Malaysia, Philippines & Singapore". mistazam.com. Retrieved April 22, 2011.
- ^ "Spectacular Isle of MTV on the Granaries". timesofmalta.com. Retrieved July 2, 2011.
- ^ LMFAO “Sexy and I Know it” Video and Interview. Yo! Venice!. Retrieved on 2011-10-05.
- ^ "The Kia Soul Shuffle Slam with LMFAO at Halloween House". Retrieved November 11, 2011.
- ^ "MDNA (Deluxe Edition) by Madonna". iTunes. Apple, Inc. Retrieved February 3, 2012.
- ^ TMZ Staff, "LMFAO The $7 Million SURPRISE at American Idol", tmz.com, April 20, 2012
- ^ "LMFAO's Redfoo, Sky Blu Split". B96 Chicago. September 21, 2012.
{{cite web}}: Text "News" ignored (help) - ^ "Don't Worry Party Rockers, LMFAO Say It's Just A Hiatus". B96 Chicago. September 25, 2012.
{{cite web}}: Text "News" ignored (help) - ^ "20 Questions: LMFAO (Bamboozle Festival)". popmatters.com. Retrieved April 19, 2011.
- ^ "LMFAO Interview". youtube. Retrieved May 25, 2011.
- ^ "LMFAO Biography". artistdirect.com. Retrieved April 22, 2011.
- ^ LMFAO's Redfoo Tops Music and Stock Charts CNBC. August 19, 2011. Retrieved 2011-08-21.