If you were around in the 90s, chances are you remember the infectious beat and catchy hook of "I Got 5 On It" by Oakland rap duo Luniz. Released in 1995, this classic track has stood the test of time, remaining a popular party anthem and cultural touchstone over 25 years later. The song's laid-back vibe, witty lyrics, and singalong chorus about pitching in money to buy marijuana have given it enduring appeal that spans generations.
"I Got 5 On It" has transcended its stoner anthem roots to become a widely recognized hip-hop classic. Its longevity is a testament to the song's undeniable catchiness and the skill of Luniz's Yukmouth and Numskull on the mic. The track has found new life in the streaming era and gained renewed attention after being featured in Jordan Peele's 2019 horror film "Us."
Right now on Royalty Exchange, a piece of the publishing royalties from this iconic track are available for investors. Sign up today and place an offer to start earning money from this legendary song.
Historical Significance
"I Got 5 On It" dropped in May 1995 as the lead single from Luniz's debut album "Operation Stackola." The song was an instant smash, peaking at #8 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and propelling the album to platinum status.
Driven by a sample of Club Nouveau's "Why You Treat Me So Bad" and the smooth vocals of R&B singer Michael Marshall on the hook, the track stood out even in a crowded field of 90s hip-hop hits.
Lyrically, "I Got 5 On It" is a lighthearted ode to the ritual of friends pooling their money to buy a $10 bag of weed. Yukmouth and Numskull trade verses packed with quotable punchlines about smoking with stingy friends and rolling comically oversized joints. While the subject matter is firmly rooted in weed culture, the song's appeal proved universal.
The track quickly became a 420 anthem on the West Coast and beyond, its mellow G-funk production and irresistible hook making it a staple of smoky dorm rooms and house parties. But "I Got 5 On It" also earned respect for Yukmouth and Numskull's mic skills, establishing Luniz as a formidable rap duo with the talent to match their hit-making abilities. A star-studded Bay Area remix featuring E-40, Dru Down, Shock G, and others only added to the song's clout.
In the decades since its release, "I Got 5 On It" has remained a perennial favorite - a nostalgic nod for older heads and a track that still gets new generations hyped up. Its enduring popularity is a reflection of the song's masterful blend of laid back atmosphere, comedic storytelling, and sheer catchiness. While Luniz never quite replicated its mainstream success, "I Got 5 On It" has cemented its status as an all-time weed anthem and West Coast classic.
Resurgence Through Streaming
In recent years, "I Got 5 On It" has found new life and reached new audiences through the rise of music streaming. The song's catchy hook and laid-back vibe have made it a perennial favorite on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.
Streaming has driven significant growth in the song's earnings and popularity. Over the past five years, "I Got 5 On It" has seen a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 28% in streaming performance income. This growth has been especially pronounced in the last two years, with streaming earnings increasing 44% and 61% year-over-year, respectively.
The song's streaming success has dramatically shifted its income mix. Five years ago, streaming accounted for just over half (51%) of the song's earnings. Today, that share has jumped to 75% as streaming has overtaken other formats. Overall, the rise of streaming has given "I Got 5 On It" a second life and introduced it to a new generation of fans.
Impact of the Movie "Us"
The use of "I Got 5 On It" in Jordan Peele's 2019 horror film "Us" took the song's resurgence to another level. The movie's trailer featured a slowed-down, eerie version of the song that captivated audiences and drove a new wave of interest in the original track.
Peele, who set "Us" in Northern California, called "I Got 5 On It" a "bay area hip-hop classic" and said it perfectly captured the film's themes around nostalgia, childhood, and the sometimes sinister undertones of pop culture. The song's "inherent cryptic energy" and "haunting element" made it a perfect fit for a horror movie.
The film's release led to an immediate spike in streams and downloads of "I Got 5 On It." In the days after the "Us" trailer debuted, U.S. streams of the song increased by 120% on Spotify. Luniz member Numskull called the song's use in the film the "best thing" to happen to him besides the birth of his children.
"Us" also drove a significant jump in synchronization income for "I Got 5 On It." Sync earnings hit a 5-year peak in the year of the film's release, contributing to a massive 96% year-over-year increase in total earnings for the song. The track's newfound exposure from "Us" also led to additional sync placements, including in a recent FanDuel commercial that generated over $3,500 in revenue.
By featuring "I Got 5 On It" so prominently, Jordan Peele and "Us" introduced the song to a massive new audience and cemented its status as a cross-generational pop culture touchstone. The film was a box office smash, grossing over $250 million worldwide, and its success has translated directly into new interest and revenue for Luniz's hit. As Tone Capone, the song's producer, told The Guardian, "Now, because of 'Us', a whole new generation is about to party to it."
Investment Potential
The enduring popularity and financial performance of "I Got 5 On It" have made its royalties an attractive investment opportunity on Royalty Exchange. In a recent auction, the future revenue from the song's songwriter royalties sold for an impressive $150,000 after receiving 72 offers from 18 different investors, showcasing the high demand for a piece of this iconic track.
In the two most recent years, the catalog's earnings grew by an impressive 96% and 39%, respectively. Streaming income, in particular, has seen a CAGR of 28% over the past five years, with growth rates of 44% and 61% in the last two years. This shift towards streaming has increased its share of the song's overall earnings from 51% to 75% during this period.
Investing in the royalties of "I Got 5 On It" offers several compelling reasons. The song's consistent earnings and growth potential provide a reliable and appreciating income stream. With a Dollar Age of 28.86 years, the catalog has a proven track record of stable earnings that is expected to continue well into the future.
Moreover, the song's cultural significance and cross-generational appeal make it a safe bet for long-term royalty generation. Its unforgettable hook, catchy beat, and recent resurgence in popularity all contribute to its ongoing earnings potential, even decades after its initial release.
For music lovers and savvy investors alike, the opportunity to own a piece of this iconic track is a unique and exciting proposition. Not only does it provide a chance to be part of music history, but it also offers the potential for significant financial returns.
As you consider your investment strategies, don't overlook the power of music royalties. With platforms like Royalty Exchange making these assets more accessible than ever, now is the perfect time to explore this alternative asset class. And what better place to start than with a true hip-hop classic like "I Got 5 On It"? Check out all of the financial information about the recent earnings here and place an offer today.
